Jennifer Herrema's Black Bananas Reappear with a Dizzying Sonic Collage
Black Bananas, led by Jennifer Herrema, return with 'Bad Bunch,' their first album in 12 years. The record shifts from vintage hard rock to a mix of hip-hop, R&B, dub, and lo-fi electronics. The result is a strange, dreamlike collection that blurs the line between band and production team.
Spanning nearly four decades, Herrema has fronted Royal Trux, RTX, and Black Bananas. The long-awaited *Bad Bunch* finally surfaced after setbacks involving a short-lived Royal Trux reunion and the pandemic. It represents a clear sonic pivot from the band's earlier 2010s records, which combined heavy guitar riffs with electronic beats.
Working alongside Brian McKinley and Kurt Midness, Herrema crafts a disorienting blend of styles. Tracks such as "Nutrageous & Jam" and "All the Way" feature her heavily processed, slurred vocals. Released on the Fire label, the album received a September 2026 review from Stuart Berman.
This release could influence how listeners perceive genre boundaries, as Herrema's blend of rock, hip-hop, and dub may inspire other veteran artists to experiment beyond their established sounds. For fans of her earlier work, the album may offer a nostalgic yet disorienting entry point, potentially broadening the audience for experimental rock. It could also spark discussions about the creative value of long gaps between albums.