British band offers up short, fast 'post-pop punk'

They go by the name Male Bonding, but don't take that too seriously - it's an irreverent nod to the band's past, when members were roommates and co-workers at a record shop in London's gritty Dalston neighborhood.

"The name seemed to fit our day-to-day lives," explained guitarist and vocalist John Arthur Webb. "Also, we are actually very un-macho, so it seemed like a good idea."

Webb, drummer Robin Silas Christian and bassist/vocalist Kevin Hendrick may appear not to take themselves or their music too seriously, but their rapid rise on the indie music scene is undeniable. They'll be representing one of the United States' most revered record labels, Sub Pop, at the Creepy Teepee music festival at the Jesuit College in Kutná Hora July 16.

In line with Webb's lighthearted insinuation, a wistful sound often emerges on the band's debut full-length album Nothing Hurts, released in May 2010. But while the sense of longing is memorable, Male Bonding's frenetic pace is what resonates most, with each song lasting a mere two minutes. Webb terms the band's style "post-pop punk," but whatever the genre, Male Bonding are setting themselves apart. They manage to be at once vulnerable and bulletproof, with ear-ringing bursts and hooks that don't quit.  

This brazen style didn't emerge by design, however.

"It wasn't a decision. It's literally just how we do things," Webb says.

How they do things is, of course, partly attributable to those who came before. The band "adores" legendary '90s lo-fi band Pavement, to which they're often compared, but Male Bonding's influences are many and varied. The guys listen to everything from hardcore bands like SS Decontrol, to Sub Pop alumnus Nirvana. They're also close friends with the Brooklyn-based surf rock band Vivian Girls, who will be performing at Creepy Teepee July 16, as well.

"I think we and the girls fed from the same trough," Webb recalled. "They stayed with us when they first came to England. The love affair started there and has continued ever since."

The Vivian Girls are featured on "Worse to Come," perhaps the dreamiest tune on Nothing Hurts. Webb notes that being friends with such impressive bands only pushes Male Bonding to work harder.

It seems fitting that the trans-Atlantic collaborators are reuniting at the Gallery of the Central Bohemia Region (GASK), which has a newfound lust for innovation. Formerly the Czech Museum of Fine Arts, GASK relocated to Kutná Hora from Prague in June, taking ownership of the Baroque Jesuit College buildings in the process. Since then, GASK has taken a decidedly progressive turn, emphasizing accessibility and a wide-ranging appreciation for culture, rather than a singular insistence on fine arts.

The inaugural Creepy Teepee festival was held last summer at the Jesuit College, drawing the likes of the Montreal synth-punk band Handsome Furs. The presence of innovative indie acts at such a historic venue is a refreshing phenomenon, considering the often cookie-cutter, debauched summer music festival scene - not that Male Bonding doesn't enjoy a bit of hedonism.

The band started out two years ago playing covert shows at warehouse parties in London. Hendrick cites a "zombie grunge themed" Halloween performance in 2008 as one of their all-time favorites; it celebrated a cassette release that featured a collaboration with two other bands, Pens and Grafitti Island.

That same do-it-yourself, punk rock mentality is what led Webb, Hendrick and Silas Christian to create their own label, Paradise Vendors, prior to starting Male Bonding. The trio released their own 7-inch vinyl records, a few of which were bought by Sub Pop, and from there, a record deal fell into place.

"It all happened very quickly and as a total surprise," Webb says. The band is close to wrapping up its first year with the "incredibly supportive" label.

As for pressure, it's not something the band focused on while making their new record - that wouldn't have been their style. Instead, Male Bonding "just wanted to be able to work hard at it and produce a record that we were proud of," Webb said.

Nonetheless, he wouldn't mind having a career like Pavement's, filled with yearly album releases and constant touring.

"Sounds like a pretty good existence, right?" Webb said.  

Sarah Amandolare can be reached at
features@praguepost.com