Audio, 30th July

Brazil’s Bonde Do Role is an eight-legged, four-boobed, all-singing, all-dancing tune machine. With a line up consisting of two guys and two girls, these rampant young scamps are notorious in their homeland of Curitiba for their boundless energy.

Tonight’s little shindig at Audio is no exception; from the moment DJ Gorky (the group’s musical maestro) sets the turntables rolling, non-stop party vibes instantly filter through the eager crowd. There’s no stopping the infectious rhythm from pummelling its way into your brain, trickling down your spine and turning you into a sexed-up Duracell bunny.

Tonight’s show is a riotous mish-mash of dancehall beats, cheesy bass lines and dodgy sampling (‘Summer Nights’ from ‘Grease’). Their unique sound is comprised of Brazilian carnival rhythms spliced with rock guitar and feel-good disco. The audience’s reaction is one of utter elation, which is surprising when you consider the fact that the majority of their lyrics are sung in Portuguese. The interaction with the audience is packed full of cheeky pranks, projectile beer and enough saucy dance moves to make your mum blush. Amidst all the chaos, vocalist and thrusting extraordinaire Pedro momentarily disappears backstage before emerging with something in his hand.

“This song is about bananas!” he exclaims, before clambering down to the crowd and squeezing the contents of his yellowy fruit into a lucky punter’s mouth. If there’s anything to be said about this band, it’s that they know how to have a good time. If you like your music to have meaning or emotional depth then this band is most definitely not for you. If on the other hand you like your music fun, sexy and carefree then you simply must check out Bonde Do Role. 

Words by James Watts
Photograph by Sarah Hadland