The Bonzai Pipeline are a three-piece rock band based in Dublin, Ireland who take their cues from the likes of Pavement, Pixies, Wolf Alice and York Calling favourite beabadobee. They’ve just caught my attention thanks to their new, self-titled EP, their first since 2016.

By Graeme Smith

Though The Bonzai Pipeline EP is only three tracks, and ten minutes, long, there’s a lot packed into it. It’s punk in its truest form; there’s not a note or beat wasted as it delivers three action packed tales of everyday life.

The EP opens with Dilly Dally, and a swaggering drum beat. It’s a track that slowly builds with bass and guitar before smooth, charismatic vocals come in. They deliver and emotional and pleading story, especially in a soaring, grungy chorus with a memorable melody. It’s a great start.

Ode to Cheryl slows things down a bit with a simmering indie rock intro before arriving at something a little more jagged. Descriptive, storytelling lyrics lead you through an immersive first verse before arriving at a soft, contrasting moment. The light and dark on display makes it a highlight.

Dig the River then rounds off the EP with some jangly, lilting pop-infused rock. The vocals are at their most expressive during a stripped-back opening verse before we get something a little more urgent and driving in the chorus thanks to frenetic drums and fuzzy bass. It ends big and bombastic, leaving the listener breathless.

The Bonzai Pipeline EP is the perfect introduction to a band that is making some really exciting rock music. There really is an awesome scene building in Ireland at the moment and we can count them among it. I can’t wait to hear more from them! Fortunately the wait won’t be long. A new single is slated for release in January next year.

You can check out The Bonzai Pipeline EP below.