Rock, Onic and Bob

I got an interesting email out of the blue yesterday from Bob, one third of the self-proclaimed baddest banjolele band in Brighton, Rock, Onic and Bob. Not sure why I was on the receiving end, but I suspect it's due to my earlier championing of Rodeohead.

What these bad boys do is rifle through records, pick out their favourites, then bastardise re-interpret them with their three instruments: electric bass, drums, and (most importantly) the banjolele. In case you don't know, it's the lovechild spawn of an illicit night between a banjo and a ukelele, hence the double-barreled name. Tiny banjo. Funny sound. Most famous protagonist: George Formby. Not the sort of instrument you expect to hear White Riot by The Clash being played on, but this is precisely the sort of song you'll hear R.O.B. belting out. Banjolele punk!

Other highlights include a sensational blend of 'Raspberry Berret' by Prince with 'You Used To Give Me Roses' (the theme from Prisoner: Cell Block H) which just works; and Kraftwerk's 'The Model' will never sound so good now I've heard a ska version with a distinctly Eastern European feel. One of the members used to be in Collapsed Lung, so it's no surprise to hear their classic 'Eat My Goal' being covered, and from the opening bars you know you're in for a treat.

I encourage you to give them a whirl. Go visit, listen to the free songs and consider stumping up the tenner for the album to get the rest. George Formby for the 30-somethings. Turned out nice again, mother!