Exclusive Track Premiere: “Astro Bastard” by Bummer is Anything But

Talk about a misnomer: for fans of extreme music, Bummer are anything but. The Kansas City trio self-describe their brand of metallic sludge as “Neanderthal,” but we’d actually called it “Evolved Neanderthal.” On their new single, “Astro Bastard,” they demonstrate influences ranging from Slayer to the Melvins to Unsane, offering up a smoothly predatory riff that lurks from the shadows before springing for the kill. It’s angry and raw and evil, yes, but it’s also groovy and tasty and methodical, and the crunch calls to mind delicious candy bars as much as it does broken bones. Bummer, in other words, aren’t the apes from 2001: A Space Odyssey — they’re the apes from 2001: A Space Odyssey AFTER they’ve learned to make weapons. Being a Bummer has never felt this good.

MetalSucks is not at all bummed to premiere Bummer’s “Astro Bastard,” which is available for your listening pleasure below! The track will appear on Bummer’s album, Holy Terror, which drops August 24 via Learning Curve Records, and was recorded and mixed by Justin Mantooth (Radkey, Godmaker). They also have a buncha live dates lined up! Get ’em at the bottom of this post!!!

July 16 – Kansas City, MO @ recordBar w/ Unsane
Aug 31 – Kansas City, MO @ Roller Dog – Holy Terror record release party 1
Sep 1 – Lawrence, KS @ White Schoolhouse – Holy Terror record release party 2
Sep 2 – Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room w/ Big Business
Sep 8 – Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s w/ Big Business