New York City’s indie-pop sensation, Rebel Kicks, has graced us with their latest single, “Past Life,” a profound exploration of the enigmatic connections that bind us to one another. Inspired by Japan’s intriguing red string theory, which suggests that an invisible thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance, “Past Life” takes us on a musical journey that delves deep into the concept of soulmates and the powerful forces that unite us.
The red string theory, often associated with the idea of soulmates, proposes that there is an invisible string connecting two people who are destined to meet. “Past Life” beautifully encapsulates this concept, inviting listeners to ponder the inexplicable feeling of encountering someone for the first time yet sensing a familiarity that seems to stretch beyond the constraints of time and space.
Rebel Kicks, led by the talented brothers Anthony and Steven, draws on their rich musical heritage and upbringing to create a sound that is as diverse and soul-stirring as the red string theory itself. The brothers, sons of a professional jazz musician, were immersed in the world of music from an early age, attending their father’s big band gigs and immersing themselves in the sounds of the Great American Songbook. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for their musical journey.
However, it wasn’t until they had an epiphany while working as hired musicians in Florida that they truly found their musical identity. This pivotal moment led them down the path of creating Rebel Kicks, a project that fuses bold electronic soundscapes, melodic basslines, arena-ready guitar riffs, and soaring hooks. The unique blend of their influences, which encompass a wide range of genres, has allowed them to explore their full musical range and produce a sound that is both refreshing and captivating.
“Past Life” serves as the lead single from Rebel Kicks’ upcoming EP, ‘Somewhere.In.Between,’ set to be released on December 1st. The song immediately draws you in with its ethereal and dreamlike qualities, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the concept of the red string theory. The lyrics delve into the intangible connections that sometimes form between people, as if some invisible force has brought them together. This theme resonates deeply with listeners, as it encapsulates the mystical feeling of meeting someone who feels like a long-lost connection in this vast world.
Rebel Kicks’ ability to craft emotive and relatable lyrics is complemented by their exceptional musical talent. The duo’s gift for multi-instrumentalism is evident, as they write, record, produce, and play all the instruments on their recordings. Their debut album, ‘A Portrait of Man: Part 1,’ was met with critical acclaim, showcasing their ability to create music that is both musically intricate and emotionally resonant.
With “Past Life,” Rebel Kicks continues to make a name for themselves in the indie-pop scene. The song’s evocative lyrics, coupled with their distinctive sound, paint a vivid picture of the inexplicable connections that can form between individuals. As the lead single from their upcoming EP, it sets the stage for what promises to be a captivating and introspective musical journey.
Rebel Kicks’ “Past Life” takes us on a musical exploration of the mysterious and intangible connections that bind us to one another, drawing inspiration from the red string theory. As the band continues to make waves in the music industry, we eagerly await the release of ‘Somewhere.In.Between’ and the opportunity to experience the full range of their musical talents. “Past Life” serves as a poignant reminder that in this vast world, there are connections waiting to be discovered, connections that might feel like they belong to a distant past, but are destined to exist in the present.
ABOUT THE BAND:
It all started the day Anthony Babino walked into his younger brother’s room and simply said: “Here is a bass and here is a setlist—we have a gig Friday.” Up until then, the brothers had been lifelong musicians, playing and singing harmony with their father—a professional jazz musician—but had yet to find their music. Anthony had a weekly residency doing mostly covers, and Steven hadn’t even figured out what instrument best suited him. The Babino brothers were far away from the distinctive and diversely accomplished musicians they have become.
Today, Anthony and Steven are New York-based touring and recording artist,
Rebel Kicks, a rock-leaning, indie-pop band with an electronic twist. Since forming in 2018, Rebel Kicks has released a full length album, A Portrait of Man: Part 1; a live EP; and a string of singles, several of which have been featured on MTV and Showtime. Live, the band augments its lineup with longtime bandmates, Daniel Bradley (drums) and Dorian Lake (keys/vocals). Rebel Kicks has shared bills with artists such as Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Mac Miller, Iggy Azalea, Incubus, and more. The brothers will be issuing a fleet of new singles in 2023, starting with the irresistibly energetic single, “Silhouette,” out February 10th.
“We grew up listening to so many genres—jazz, classic rock, Motown, R&B—and with Rebel Kicks we have finally found a project where we can explore our full range,” Anthony says. Steven adds: “It may sound cliché to say this, but life is a journey, and we finally hit upon a sound that reflects our journey.”
Rebel Kicks craft anthemic alternative pop refreshingly infused with social commentary and powerful personal revelation. Signature to the band’s musicality are bold electronic soundscapes, melodic basslines, arena-ready guitar riffs, soaring hooks, the brother’s harmony interlace, and emotive lead vocals. Rebel Kicks invite comparisons to modern alt-rock acts such as Grouplove, Portugal. The Man, The Killers, and Kings Of Leon.
The brothers are musically self-contained. Anthony and Steven are gifted multi-instrumentalists who often write, record, produce, and play all the instruments on their songs. The duo also welcome collaboration, and have worked with some of the best producers and songwriters in the biz. Rebel Kicks has collaborated with Abe Dertner (Walk The Moon, MAX), Jeff Blue (Macy Gray, Hoobastank, Korn, Linkin Park), Jason Pennock (2pac, Polyenso, The Pussycat Dolls), Russ DeSalvo (Lou Reed, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie), and Jimmy Greco (Paramore, Santana). “Silhouette” was written and recorded with Jackson Hoffman (Young Rising Sons, Micky James) and Ryder Stuart (CANNON).
The Babino brothers’ earliest musical memories are tagging along with their working musician father to his big band gigs, and soaking in The Great American Songbook. Dad was also a huge Paul McCartney fan, and the boys heard Paul’s solo records and Wings albums even before hearing the Beatles.
From a very young age, Anthony and Steven gigged professionally, either filling out the ranks in their father’s jazz ensembles or performing in various configurations at weddings, corporate gigs, and private events. Eventually, the brothers began performing and recording together as sidemen, and working on original music together. While hired guns in St. Petersburg, Florida with an outside producer, the brothers had an epiphany about the music they wanted to make, opening the door to the more experimental pop-based sound of Rebel Kicks.
Rebel Kicks latest single, “Silhouette,” bursts with explosive pop-rock hooks, dreamy crooning, moody atmospheric ambience, adventurous basslines, ear-worm guitar riffs, and it even features a synth solo. “Silhouette” was recorded as it was being written, lending the recording a fresh-off-the-skillet immediacy. The song contrasts upbeat musicality with playfully downtrodden lyrics for a goosebump-inducing experience that recalls the emotive, pop-rock musicality of Kings Of Leon and The Killers. “ “The song is about wishing you could go back to when you first met someone—wishing you knew someone less,” Steven says with a good-natured laugh.
Other highlights in the band’s catalog include the strutting and boldly electronic-textured single, “Fall of the American Dream”; the futuristic, stadium rocker “It’s You,” which appeared in the season 10 finale of Showtime’s comedy drama Shameless; and the neo, new wave-flavored “We Should Go Missing.”
For Anthony and Steven, Rebel Kicks represents the culmination of a wonderfully winding adventure in music. The band also offers an opportunity for the Babino brothers to do what they love together. “We are a very close family, and it’s been amazing for us to share in making the music that has always lived in us,” Anthony says. Steven adds: “We are best friends, and it’s not lost on me how lucky we are to make a living writing and performing together.”
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