Bikini Beach

Biography

‘Londons’ Kings of Surf-Noir’
NME

Bikini Beach Band’s unusual take on surf guitar music (they call it ‘Surf-Noir’) has its roots in the late ’50s-early ’60s bands like The Ventures and The Shadows. Bikini Beach mixes classic surf and rock ‘n’ roll numbers such as ‘Wipe Out’ and ‘Miserlou’ with contemporary pop songs like ‘Blue Monday’ and ‘Toxic’ with expert musicianship and a great sense of showmanship.

They deliver a combination of wild costumes, great set moves and fantastic rock ‘n’ roll, all while staying completely deadpan. This never fails to fascinate and entertain audiences who always end up smiling, dancing and singing along.

The setup is simple and classic, with two duelling guitars, bass and drums. And while relocating contemporary songs to the timeless era of Twang conjures a retro vibe (think Dick Dale, Duane Eddy, Ventures or Shadows), the Bikini Beach Band’s choice of material and sheer musical audacity and wit elevates this deceptively simple formula into something fresh, exciting, and above all, entertaining.

Who else could mash up Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ with Richie Valens’ ‘La Bamba’, call it ‘La Creepa’, and make it both danceable and funny? On stage, the boys themselves remain silent and resolutely deadpan at all times, much to everyone’s delight.

While supporting Pulp (by special request) in their heyday, Jarvis Cocker admitted he preferred Bikini Beach’s version of ‘Babies’ to Pulp’s own. Likewise, the Arctic Monkeys have yet to hear a more rockin’ take on ‘Dancefloor’ and La Roux’s Elly Jackson was seen “dancing her socks off” to the Bikini Beach’s version of ‘Bulletproof’ when the boys rocked her party.

Of course, the ‘flaming Copacabana’ or Hawaiian-themed costumes (always with fezzes and Elvis ‘Vegas’ shades) and the co-ordinated dance moves supply the vital element of showbiz. And the show is occasionally complemented by the gorgeous, exotic and metrosexual Hula Honeys, whose grass-skirted shimmying is as beguiling as it is superbly choreographed.

Having moved up through the exotic, easy-listening scene (Club Indigo, Blow-Up), today’s glamorous kitsch extravaganzas like Guilty Pleasures embrace Bikini Beach’s joyous spin on pop classics, while trashy, boozy, Burlesque-themed rock ‘n’ roll shindigs like East London’s Gypsy Hotel thrive on the band’s ‘Noir’ side. The Bikini Beach Band swings both ways.

Firm festival favourites, Bikini Beach has played at Big Chill, Bestival, Glastonbury, Latitude, Lovebox, Lost Vagueness, Solfest, and the boys always cast a ray of sunshine, whatever the weather.

The band are available for concerts and festivals throughout Europe and beyond.

Bikini Beach is perfect for: Festivals, club events, corporate events, themed events, beach-themed events, music events, product launches, galas, awards ceremonies, private functions