Aussie rockers Mammal has released a new single and video, ‘Keanu Reeves’, from the forthcoming album The Penny Drop.
Neo-punk/funk warriors Mammal target misinformation on what’s been described as a “scintillating fashion” on ‘Keanu Reeves’.
It marks the band’s first new material since 2022, and is fittingly accompanied by a music video inspired by one of the actual Keanu Reeves’ most iconic cinematic moments that you can check out here at RAMzine, and purchase here.
Frontman Ezekiel Ox said of the single, “We started writing for our new album, and Pete (Williamson) and Zane (Rosanoski) came up with the original ‘Keanu Reeves’ song. I flew down for a couple of days of drinking, smoking and freestyle, and the song came out. It’s about misinformation and the need for humans to be able to agree on an objective reality to survive. It’s grim out there at the moment, Orwellian. But in the end, some things are real. We name check Tracey Chapman in the song too, which is exciting.”
Continuing their music video hallmark of live performances, the accompanying clip for ‘Keanu Reeves’ draws irreverent yet powerful inspiration from a bona fide 90s action movie classic, Mammal-style. Long-time friend and creative collaborator Dean J Miller shot and edited it. “Mammal always performs live in our clips,” said Ox. “The dancing is important to our culture and mission, so we set up at a local Narrm beach for the live stuff. The clip is a tongue-in-cheek recreation of the original Point Break, which of course starred Keanu Reeves alongside the late Patrick Swayze. Expect chase scenes, tuxedos and ex-Presidents of the USA galore. The concept? Have fun and make something entertaining, it’s not rocket surgery.”
Since forming and releasing their debut self-titled EP in 2006, Mammal has toured relentlessly while also crafting a formidable reputation for their animated live performances, timeless sonic creations and authentic, working-class political activism that has garnered the quartet an ever-growing cult-like status across the globe. Revered as a “must-see” act, they have also volunteered their live services, raising much-needed funds for various charities, supporting Interchange, the Refugee Action Collective and Fitzroy Legal Service over the years.
Now primed to release their sophomore studio album The Penny Drop in 2024, the long-awaited follow up to the band’s debut full length The Majority in 2008, their lead vocalist concluded:
“We feel ready and raring to go. We say what we want, how we want and play loud and proud. We believe that at its best, rock and roll is a form of rebellion. Punters know when they come to the show that we give shit, about the music, about them. About their schools and unis, their hospitals and parks, their housing situation. Their favourite bands. We always punch up, and we aren’t pulling the ladder up behind us.”
The Penny Drop can be ordered here.
