BNLX
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BNLX

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | INDIE

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | INDIE
Band Alternative Rock

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"BNLX debut album-playing shows in NYC this week INCLUDES LP STREAM"

Minneapolis trio BNLX's debut album was one of my favorites of last year. It throws a variety of post punk styles into a blender, and manages both lip-curl attitude and tongue-in-cheek awareness at the some time. The songs are also catchy as hell, and you can stream the whole album below.
The band will be visiting NYC next month, playing two shows: Pianos on May 16 with Wormburner and May 17 at Big Snow Buffalo Lodge with Honduras, Eastern Hollows, and Grand Resort. All BNLX dates are listed below. - Brooklyn Vegan


"BNLX debut album-playing shows in NYC this week INCLUDES LP STREAM"

Minneapolis trio BNLX's debut album was one of my favorites of last year. It throws a variety of post punk styles into a blender, and manages both lip-curl attitude and tongue-in-cheek awareness at the some time. The songs are also catchy as hell, and you can stream the whole album below.
The band will be visiting NYC next month, playing two shows: Pianos on May 16 with Wormburner and May 17 at Big Snow Buffalo Lodge with Honduras, Eastern Hollows, and Grand Resort. All BNLX dates are listed below. - Brooklyn Vegan


"BNLX-Heavy Rotation"

BNLX is the duo of e.a. and a.a. (veterans of the Twin Cities music scene, playing in bands such as Polara and The Mood Swings) that play a furious brand of noise pop. I was talking to e.a. a few months ago and he told me about BNLX, how they are an electronic-noise-punk act ala Ministry and Primal Scream (XTRMTR-era) with some Brit pop/power pop thrown. He said, “I think you'd love it.” He was right. Oh fuck it, you know who I'm talking about right? Ed Ackerson of Polara fame. And a.a.? His wife Ashley of The Mood Swings. Yeah. Check it.

I love the concept – taking aggressive music and layering it into straight up pop songs, the anonymity in those early press releases, the homemade/hand-numbered packaging for the EP, the idea of creating some buzz and strategically releasing details and streaming tracks, the excellence in hooks and melody (Ed has one of my favorite voices and it fits surprisingly well here), the lack of pretension (there is plenty of humor w/out being super jokey). I love how different the style is for the Ackersons. The four songs on the EP are very good. Let's get to it:

“Do Without” - this was the first song BNLX released and it is an amazing slab of electro-punk-noise-pop. That Ministry influence that e.a. mentioned? You find it here – especially in the way the chorus takes a darker turn. The boy-girl vocal interaction/harmonizing is a wonderful juxtaposition with the aggressive stance the music takes. The second best track on the EP.

“You Left Me Here” - mega-driving, near shoegaze-y, post-punk-rawk. Ed sings in a faux-brit accent which is kinda funny, and, oddly, it fits. The vibe of the song has the mid-80s goth-pop thing going on (musically and lyrically). Think Robert Smith, Morrissey fronting a C86 band playing Ministry.

“LMAO (CMEO)” - hated this song at first. The chanting of “LMAO” and “CMEO” bugged the hell out of me. I stuck with it though and it's become one of my favorites. Ed and Ashley play the boy-girl lead vocal thing to full effect. Ashley sings, “Should I be Laughing My Ass Off?” and Ed responds, “Or Crying My Eyes Out?” - I love how they turn the stereotype around, the guy in tears over the troubled relationship. The song is too damn catchy for its own good.

“Row and Row” - if you follow me on Twitter, you know how much I love this song. Tons of glorious dirty feedback-laden ice guitars, a driving-shit-storm drum machine, heavy-fuzzed-out bass, and a melody that is really a litany of hooks. Here that Primal Scream influence comes through (you could also bring up The Raveonettes for a reference point), but it's also thoroughly its own. There is a nerve-wrecking tension as e.a. and a.a. sing “You got pick up the pace!”, the song is relentless as it is addictive.

Last Saturday evening, the mysterious BNLX lifted their shroud and played their first live gig; which coincided with the release of this recording. It was a night of great music & performance. There was an bonkers light show and tons of fog. My only complaint is the tempo seemed a bit slow and the controlled-chaos could've been ramped up. Splitting hairs. Much to do about nothing. Nit picking. I can't wait for more from BNLX.

Head over to the Susstones Records website for a ton of BNLX content including MP3 downloads of a few songs. Seriously. GO. NOW. - This Is Not Entertainment blog


"BNLX-Heavy Rotation"

BNLX is the duo of e.a. and a.a. (veterans of the Twin Cities music scene, playing in bands such as Polara and The Mood Swings) that play a furious brand of noise pop. I was talking to e.a. a few months ago and he told me about BNLX, how they are an electronic-noise-punk act ala Ministry and Primal Scream (XTRMTR-era) with some Brit pop/power pop thrown. He said, “I think you'd love it.” He was right. Oh fuck it, you know who I'm talking about right? Ed Ackerson of Polara fame. And a.a.? His wife Ashley of The Mood Swings. Yeah. Check it.

I love the concept – taking aggressive music and layering it into straight up pop songs, the anonymity in those early press releases, the homemade/hand-numbered packaging for the EP, the idea of creating some buzz and strategically releasing details and streaming tracks, the excellence in hooks and melody (Ed has one of my favorite voices and it fits surprisingly well here), the lack of pretension (there is plenty of humor w/out being super jokey). I love how different the style is for the Ackersons. The four songs on the EP are very good. Let's get to it:

“Do Without” - this was the first song BNLX released and it is an amazing slab of electro-punk-noise-pop. That Ministry influence that e.a. mentioned? You find it here – especially in the way the chorus takes a darker turn. The boy-girl vocal interaction/harmonizing is a wonderful juxtaposition with the aggressive stance the music takes. The second best track on the EP.

“You Left Me Here” - mega-driving, near shoegaze-y, post-punk-rawk. Ed sings in a faux-brit accent which is kinda funny, and, oddly, it fits. The vibe of the song has the mid-80s goth-pop thing going on (musically and lyrically). Think Robert Smith, Morrissey fronting a C86 band playing Ministry.

“LMAO (CMEO)” - hated this song at first. The chanting of “LMAO” and “CMEO” bugged the hell out of me. I stuck with it though and it's become one of my favorites. Ed and Ashley play the boy-girl lead vocal thing to full effect. Ashley sings, “Should I be Laughing My Ass Off?” and Ed responds, “Or Crying My Eyes Out?” - I love how they turn the stereotype around, the guy in tears over the troubled relationship. The song is too damn catchy for its own good.

“Row and Row” - if you follow me on Twitter, you know how much I love this song. Tons of glorious dirty feedback-laden ice guitars, a driving-shit-storm drum machine, heavy-fuzzed-out bass, and a melody that is really a litany of hooks. Here that Primal Scream influence comes through (you could also bring up The Raveonettes for a reference point), but it's also thoroughly its own. There is a nerve-wrecking tension as e.a. and a.a. sing “You got pick up the pace!”, the song is relentless as it is addictive.

Last Saturday evening, the mysterious BNLX lifted their shroud and played their first live gig; which coincided with the release of this recording. It was a night of great music & performance. There was an bonkers light show and tons of fog. My only complaint is the tempo seemed a bit slow and the controlled-chaos could've been ramped up. Splitting hairs. Much to do about nothing. Nit picking. I can't wait for more from BNLX.

Head over to the Susstones Records website for a ton of BNLX content including MP3 downloads of a few songs. Seriously. GO. NOW. - This Is Not Entertainment blog


"BNLX-Secrets of the City"

We're making a prediction: BNLX is going to be topping many-a 'Best of' list in 2010. The mysterious side project from Susstones honcho Ed Ackerson (Polera) and his wife Ashley (Mood Swings) has been garnering major buzz as of late on the Twin Cities social media and music circuits. The EP, simply titled "EP #1" is a small collection of larger than life songs that are one part '90s throw back and one part rock n' roll-soaked Brit pop. With dueling boy-girl vox and a perfect mess of rumbling, raging guitar, BNLX has unearthed the long-lost formula for good old fashioned rock n' roll, sans pretentiousness. Tonight's release show will also feature a killer line up of buzzworthy locals including Blue Sky Blackout, Red Pens, and Mercurial Rage. Doors open at 9pm and the event is 21+ and $5 at the door. For more info visit www.susstones.com. - Secrets of the City magazine


"BNLX-Secrets of the City"

We're making a prediction: BNLX is going to be topping many-a 'Best of' list in 2010. The mysterious side project from Susstones honcho Ed Ackerson (Polera) and his wife Ashley (Mood Swings) has been garnering major buzz as of late on the Twin Cities social media and music circuits. The EP, simply titled "EP #1" is a small collection of larger than life songs that are one part '90s throw back and one part rock n' roll-soaked Brit pop. With dueling boy-girl vox and a perfect mess of rumbling, raging guitar, BNLX has unearthed the long-lost formula for good old fashioned rock n' roll, sans pretentiousness. Tonight's release show will also feature a killer line up of buzzworthy locals including Blue Sky Blackout, Red Pens, and Mercurial Rage. Doors open at 9pm and the event is 21+ and $5 at the door. For more info visit www.susstones.com. - Secrets of the City magazine


"BNLX-Round the Dial magazine"

Twin Cities "mystery project" BNLX are about to release the second in their series of electronically-enhanced guitar rock EP's, this one simply titled "2." For those of you still guessing on the details concerning this outfit, it's a collaboration between a super-talented local couple with the initials "EA" and "AA." By keeping their band's most revealing details a bit on the mysterious side, they've managed to create a much-needed buzz while also creating a sound that neither they nor many of their contemporaries are currently dabbling in. "2" contains only four cuts, each more driven and frantic than the last, and utilize titles such as "Where Is The Love,' "Got Needs," "Espionage," and "Frogger." The swirling, whirling dervishness of the axe work will immediately pin down that musician, but the spot-on, electro-glide vocal harmonies and anti-pop keyboard work will keep you guessing. BNLX have created a fresh, bold sound that's slightly unsettling and yet carries with it a far-off familiarity, making their sound, their approach, and their exhiliarating salute to the historical power of experimentalism and no-guts-no-glory rock and roll brings with it a frank and freaky groove as each outing is released. Highly recommended for fans of cutting edge rock n' roll that's not afraid to embrace its star-crossed path along the way. The release party for "2" will be held at Sauce Spirits And Soundbar (where the food is to die for and the ambience is absolutely perfect for such an event) in Minneapolis on Friday, June 25th, with a live performance including super-secret special guests- not a gig to miss! Music starts at 10PM, cover is a paltry $5. The EP itself will be available for sale in limited. numbered quantities, so make sure you keep an ear open by visiting facebook.com/bnlxmusic or myspace.com.bnlxmusic. There will be random releases of free music and select films made available via the internet as the gig approaches- make sure to mark your calendars in advance and whatever you do, don't miss this show- you just might become an important part of local music in the making.... - 'Round the Dial magazine


"BNLX-Round the Dial magazine"

Twin Cities "mystery project" BNLX are about to release the second in their series of electronically-enhanced guitar rock EP's, this one simply titled "2." For those of you still guessing on the details concerning this outfit, it's a collaboration between a super-talented local couple with the initials "EA" and "AA." By keeping their band's most revealing details a bit on the mysterious side, they've managed to create a much-needed buzz while also creating a sound that neither they nor many of their contemporaries are currently dabbling in. "2" contains only four cuts, each more driven and frantic than the last, and utilize titles such as "Where Is The Love,' "Got Needs," "Espionage," and "Frogger." The swirling, whirling dervishness of the axe work will immediately pin down that musician, but the spot-on, electro-glide vocal harmonies and anti-pop keyboard work will keep you guessing. BNLX have created a fresh, bold sound that's slightly unsettling and yet carries with it a far-off familiarity, making their sound, their approach, and their exhiliarating salute to the historical power of experimentalism and no-guts-no-glory rock and roll brings with it a frank and freaky groove as each outing is released. Highly recommended for fans of cutting edge rock n' roll that's not afraid to embrace its star-crossed path along the way. The release party for "2" will be held at Sauce Spirits And Soundbar (where the food is to die for and the ambience is absolutely perfect for such an event) in Minneapolis on Friday, June 25th, with a live performance including super-secret special guests- not a gig to miss! Music starts at 10PM, cover is a paltry $5. The EP itself will be available for sale in limited. numbered quantities, so make sure you keep an ear open by visiting facebook.com/bnlxmusic or myspace.com.bnlxmusic. There will be random releases of free music and select films made available via the internet as the gig approaches- make sure to mark your calendars in advance and whatever you do, don't miss this show- you just might become an important part of local music in the making.... - 'Round the Dial magazine


"BNLX-Reviler"

Once again we give thanks to Sound Verite’ for pointing out this exciting new development over at Minneapolis’s Susstones label. BLNX are a mysterious new ”project” on the label who will be putting out a four song EP in the next few weeks. If all four are as good as this slickly produced first single, “Do Without” then it could make for a very interesting listen. The group’s sound has a lot of britpop swagger, but also incorporates some noise and punk elements that (combined with the female vocals) remind be a teensy bit of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s. You can check out the new band for the very first time on March 20, where they will be sharing a great bill at Sauce with Red Pens and Blue Sky Blackout. - Reviler


"BNLX-Reviler"

Once again we give thanks to Sound Verite’ for pointing out this exciting new development over at Minneapolis’s Susstones label. BLNX are a mysterious new ”project” on the label who will be putting out a four song EP in the next few weeks. If all four are as good as this slickly produced first single, “Do Without” then it could make for a very interesting listen. The group’s sound has a lot of britpop swagger, but also incorporates some noise and punk elements that (combined with the female vocals) remind be a teensy bit of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s. You can check out the new band for the very first time on March 20, where they will be sharing a great bill at Sauce with Red Pens and Blue Sky Blackout. - Reviler


"Who Is BNLX?"

Who is BNLX?
Mysterious NEW local band BNLX released a teaser vid for "Row and Row" off their debut EP, complete a fiery, LOL-worthy vikings theme. We got our mitts on a copy of the new EP, which is set to release on March 20th with a show at Sauce alongside local faves Red Pens, Mercurial Rage and Blue Sky Blackout. The show will also be BNLX's live debut, and the group is comprised of members from Polara and The Mood Swings (if that gives you any indication of its sure-fire awesomeness).

We have to say, we've had this EP on repeat for a few days now. We predict good, good things for BNLX. Jump on the bandwagon, eh? - LOL/OMG blog


"Who Is BNLX?"

Who is BNLX?
Mysterious NEW local band BNLX released a teaser vid for "Row and Row" off their debut EP, complete a fiery, LOL-worthy vikings theme. We got our mitts on a copy of the new EP, which is set to release on March 20th with a show at Sauce alongside local faves Red Pens, Mercurial Rage and Blue Sky Blackout. The show will also be BNLX's live debut, and the group is comprised of members from Polara and The Mood Swings (if that gives you any indication of its sure-fire awesomeness).

We have to say, we've had this EP on repeat for a few days now. We predict good, good things for BNLX. Jump on the bandwagon, eh? - LOL/OMG blog


"BNLX-Band to Watch"

Brand new local band BNLX has been creating quite a stir on the local blogs lately, mostly because of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the group's debut. "BNLX is a new group featuring members of BNLX," the press release reads, and that's only the beginning of a laundry list of cryptic messages that were included along with the brown cardboard CD case containing BNLX's debut EP.

Upon further investigation, a few details can be deduced: The band is on the Susstones label, which is also the home of Ed Ackerson and his wife Ashley Ackerson's bands (Polara and the Mood Swings, respectively), and two of the musicians on the disc are labeled as "e.a." and "a.a." And after revisiting the EP, we can definitely hear strains of both Ed's and Ashley's previous work, although this project is taking them in a more modern, electronic direction.

The press release also says that their debut EP, BNLX EP #1, is only "Stage One" of BNLX's "First One Year Plan," which means we can probably expect more from this band in the very near future. - City Pages magazine


"BNLX-Band to Watch"

Brand new local band BNLX has been creating quite a stir on the local blogs lately, mostly because of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the group's debut. "BNLX is a new group featuring members of BNLX," the press release reads, and that's only the beginning of a laundry list of cryptic messages that were included along with the brown cardboard CD case containing BNLX's debut EP.

Upon further investigation, a few details can be deduced: The band is on the Susstones label, which is also the home of Ed Ackerson and his wife Ashley Ackerson's bands (Polara and the Mood Swings, respectively), and two of the musicians on the disc are labeled as "e.a." and "a.a." And after revisiting the EP, we can definitely hear strains of both Ed's and Ashley's previous work, although this project is taking them in a more modern, electronic direction.

The press release also says that their debut EP, BNLX EP #1, is only "Stage One" of BNLX's "First One Year Plan," which means we can probably expect more from this band in the very near future. - City Pages magazine


Discography

Free streaming and downloadable tracks from each release are available at...
http://soundcloud.com/bnlx
http://listn.to/bnlx

BNLX discography so far:

BNLX LP
The debut album, out now!

and coming soon...
Gesammelte Produkt (vinyl+digital collection of tracks from BNLX EP's 1-8

-EP releases, now out of print-

EP #1
Released March, 2010 on Susstones; limited edition Physical Product Edition (CD+artwork, now out of print), Virtual Product Edition (via online retailers)
- "Do Without"
- "You Left Me Here"
- "LMAO (CMEO)"
- "Row and Row"

EP #2
Released June, 2010 on Susstones; limited edition Physical Product Edition (CD+artwork, soon to be out of print), Virtual Product Edition (via online retailers)
- "Where Is the Love"
- "Got Needs"
- "Espionage"
- "Frogger"

EP #3
Released September, 2010 on Susstones; limited edition Physical Product Edition (CD+artwork), Virtual Product Edition (via online retailers)
- "Blue and Gold"
- "Just Got Paid"
- "When I Knock"
- "BNLX 2DAY"

EP #4
Released December, 2010 on Susstones; limited edition Physical Product Edition (CD+artwork), Virtual Product Edition (via online retailers)
- "When Doves Cry" (Prince cover)
- "Shut Up and Drive" (Rihanna cover)
- "Rise Above" (Black Flag cover)
- "Soul Desert" (CAN cover)

EP #5
Released March, 2011 on Susstones; limited edition Physical Product Edition (CD+artwork), Virtual Product Edition (via online retailers)
- "Burn the Boats"
- "Back in Your Hole"
- "Garbage Strike"
- "It Was a Good Day" (Ice Cube cover)

EP #6
Released June, 2011 on Susstones; limited edition Physical Product Edition (CD+artwork), Virtual Product Edition (via online retailers)
- "Vaporize"
- "Over the Horizon"
- "Dance Dance Dance (on the radio)"
- "Living in Exile"

EP #7
- "See What I See"
- "Meet Me on the Barricades"
- "Round the Dial"
- "Video Games"

Photos

Bio

BNLX
LP
Susstones
PRESS QUOTES
“A visual and sonic onslaught live, their sound is propelled by thundering beats, driving fuzzed out bass and Ed and Ashley’s vocals floating over the top. ” - The Silent Ballet

“Blistering post-punk inspired rock, with male/female, call-and-response vocals, feedback, harmonies, old- school drum machines and ridiculously catchy choruses.” - Brooklyn Vegan

BIOGRAPHY
BNLX's full-length debut "LP" follows up on the band's acclaimed (and now very rare!) series of handmade, limited-edition quarterly EP releases. Band members Ed Ackerson (guitar, vocals), Ashley Ackerson (bass, vocals), and David Jarnstrom (drums) went into the renowned Flowers Studio in Minneapolis and banged out this collection of their catchiest, most energetic and mysterious material yet.

Highlight tracks include the singles “Vibrant”, “1929”, "Devil You Know" and “Everything Must Go”, plus awesomized versions of BNLX favorites “Meet Me on the Barricades” and “Burn the Boats”. The band took the album format as a challenge, determined to make a release that was vital and engaging from top to bottom in the tradition of the classic indie rock records they love. Tracks like “Got Nothing On You”, “Everything Must Go”, the corporation-baiting “Message From HR”, and fifty second opening riff blast/German language singalong "999" are anything but filler. The band's trademark sonic experimentation, wry crypto-revolutionary rhetoric, and fun and freaky textural juxtapositions are present now more than ever. Breathlessly clocking in at just under 36 minutes, there's not a wasted second on the first BNLX full-length ride!

BNLX is a 100% DIY enterprise, writing, arranging, performing and recording everything in the 55408 on its own agenda in the service of the Industry of Human Happiness.