Biography
Australia's Bananagun craft an animated sound by pulling from an array of vintage psychedelia such as Tropicalia, '70s Afrobeat, and summery retro-pop alongside spiritual jazz. Following praise for their 2019 EP, the ensemble delivered their first full-length effort, the uplifting The True Story of Bananagun, in 2020. Shaped by a time of upheaval, an overcast atmosphere defined the more experimental and jam-oriented Why Is the Colour of the Sky? that surfaced in 2024.
Citing the Monks and Os Mutantes as key touchstones, Bananagun originated from early recordings by Melbourne-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Van Bakel before incorporating players from Parsnip and Frowning Clouds. Their initial release, "Do Yeah," appeared via the Australian indie label Anti Fade Records in early 2019. That track led off a three-song EP bearing the same title, issued later that year on Full Time Hobby. Within twelve months the band finished their debut album, broadening the reach of their vibrant global fusion on the June 2020 set The True Story of Bananagun.
Because the album emerged amid COVID-19 restrictions, the group skipped live shows and found themselves geographically dispersed. Four years passed before Bananagun issued fresh recordings, beginning with the more experimental and improvisational single "Free Energy." That track previewed the cosmic leanings of their November 2024 follow-up, Why Is the Colour of the Sky?, shaped by disruption. The roster featured Van Bakel on vocals and multiple instruments, Jack Crook on guitar, Josh Dans on bass, Jimi Gregg on drums, and Millar Wileman on percussion.
Citing the Monks and Os Mutantes as key touchstones, Bananagun originated from early recordings by Melbourne-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Van Bakel before incorporating players from Parsnip and Frowning Clouds. Their initial release, "Do Yeah," appeared via the Australian indie label Anti Fade Records in early 2019. That track led off a three-song EP bearing the same title, issued later that year on Full Time Hobby. Within twelve months the band finished their debut album, broadening the reach of their vibrant global fusion on the June 2020 set The True Story of Bananagun.
Because the album emerged amid COVID-19 restrictions, the group skipped live shows and found themselves geographically dispersed. Four years passed before Bananagun issued fresh recordings, beginning with the more experimental and improvisational single "Free Energy." That track previewed the cosmic leanings of their November 2024 follow-up, Why Is the Colour of the Sky?, shaped by disruption. The roster featured Van Bakel on vocals and multiple instruments, Jack Crook on guitar, Josh Dans on bass, Jimi Gregg on drums, and Millar Wileman on percussion.
Albums
Why is the Colour of the Sky?
2024
The True Story of Bananagun
2020
People Talk Too Much
2020
Out of Reach
2020
Do Yeah
2019
Singles
