If pure, unapologetic rock and roll was a hook, we would all be BAITS.
Yes, because this Vienna-based band is anything but fishy. They throw the riffs out, wait about three seconds, and suddenly you’re the one hanging from the line, grinning like you didn’t see it coming. After listening to their latest album, All Filler No Killer, I was reeled in.
I know. I can’t resist a good bait pun.
Anyway, BAITS played at Neue Zukunft on February as part of their gearing up for a new chapter with songs like On The Run.
Their power-chord rock style brings me back to when rock and roll was about fun and community. When we shared ripped CDs with each other and talked about how cool it would be to front a garage rock band. But again, BAITS are much more than that.
Sonja Maier’s lyrics go further and cut deeper than you might expect on first listen. It’s amazing how someone so badass on stage can still feel vulnerable at times, pulling you closer for an intimate chorus like in Hello My Love.
Fazo’s drums go absolutely nuts on songs like Playing God, and Zock’s guitar has the kind of energy that pulls you in before you realise there’s no way out.
Bernd Faszl keeps the whole thing glued together, even when it looks like chaos. It isn’t. He also brings some of the funniest facial expressions of the gang, which, honestly, should count as an instrument.
It was one of the realest rock shows I’ve had the pleasure to connect with live. BAITS are releasing new songs, clearly having fun, and so should you. Do yourself a favour, listen to their music, and go catch them live.
Because in the end, I can confidently say:
we’re all hooked by BAITS.
All images were taken by Pablo Iriarte with the permission of the artist and venue and are subject to copyright.
For usage rights, please contact photo@piriurdi.es .
