Bambara

Bambara are an American post-punk band formed in 2007 in Athens, Georgia. The trio consists of twin brothers Reid Bateh (lead vocals, guitar) and Blaze Bateh (drums), alongside childhood friend William Brookshire (bass). The band's name originates from a character in the animated television series Æon Flux, chosen due to the members' admiration for the show. Bambara's musical evolution began with their 2005 debut album Curtains and Cannibals under their original name, 23jinx. After rebranding in 2007, they relocated to Brooklyn and released their first album as Bambara, Dreamviolence, in 2013. This release showcased their noise rock style, characterized by lo-fi recordings and experimental sounds. Their subsequent albums include Swarm (2016), Shadow on Everything (2018), and Stray (2020), each reflecting a maturation in their sound and thematic depth. In 2022, they released the EP Love on My Mind, which received positive reviews for its shoegaze and metallic elements. In 2025, Bambara released their fifth studio album, Birthmarks, via Wharf Cat Records. Produced by Graham Sutton, the album features guest vocals from Madeline Johnston (Midwife) and Emma Acs (Crack Cloud). The lead single, "Pray to Me" (2024), offers a glimpse into the band's southern gothic sound.