published: 2024-09-20

Pop from hell

Name: Pop from hell
Start: 2024-09-20

Bambie Thug - or, to use her full name, Bambie Ray Robinson - is one of the most fascinating and unpredictable figures on today's pop music scene. On one side, she dives into occult themes and uses a Ouija board for summoning spirits, while on the other, she explores futuristic, hyper-punk landscapes. What's it all about? It doesn't really matter. What does is that it works! After all, few artists can turn quasi-radio hits into something so original as Bambie Thug, who shot to fame with her* performance at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest representing Ireland. If you're curious to see how she reinvents popular music styles in exciting ways, you won't want to miss her show at Tama!

Photo of a dark-haired young person wearing long black boots, sitting on the floor with her legs spread wide, supporting her head with her hands. - grafika artykułu — Bambie Thug, photograph from the press

Photo of a dark-haired young person wearing long black boots, sitting on the floor with her legs spread wide, supporting her head with her hands.

Portrait of a non-binary person with black stretchy pigtails. She is wearing a paper bra and a sash. She has a rainbow pin attached to her bra.

Photo of a dark-haired young person wearing a black outfit, with heavy make-up.

Photo of a dark-haired young person wearing a black outfit and black shoes, with heavy make-up.

Her debut single "Birthday," released in 2021, has made it clear that Bambie Thug isn't your run-of-the-mill pop artist. Like her other 2021 tracks, "Psilocyber" and "P.M.P.," the single showcased a unique vision, earning her the label of the creator of a new genre: Ouija pop. This term describes a blend of occult pop with bold nods to punk, trap, metal, electro, and even noise. These seemingly discordant elements come together to form a cohesive sound that, importantly, often turn into hits.

If Sopor Aeternus had a child, it might very well be Bambie Thug. While her music is hardly Gothic, her image certainly evokes that vibe. Another fitting comparison might be Marilyn Manson, especially considering the "Doomsday Blue Bambie" (2023) music video, which brings to mind the "Antichrist Superstar" era (1996). Some might even think of Lady Gaga with her music videos and pop culture mash-ups. Art, sex, darkness: Bambie Thug blends them all, creating a kaleidoscopic, rollercoaster-like experience with both her image and music.

As the first openly non-binary artist to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, she's earned acclaim for her bravery and commitment to advancing the acceptance of diverse gender identities. Her on-stage presence wasn't merely an artistic statement of her aspirations, but also a platform for raising awareness of important social issues. After making a splash with her spectacular show, she secured sixth place in the contest - Ireland's best result since 2000! Could she be a one-hit wonder? Unlikely, given that her EP "Cathexis" (2023) demonstrates she is just getting started with exploring her hyper-eclectic musical vision and isn't about to compromise.

* In keeping with Bambie Thug's declared non-binary identity, we use pronouns interchangeably.

Sebastian Gabriel

translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski

Bambie Thug, Tama, 23 September, 8pm, tickets: PLN 129

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Pop from hell