Move over, traditional rock and roll—the circus is back in town, and it’s brought a synthesis of sound that defies easy categorisation. Today marks the arrival of ‘Dynamite Daddy’, the latest single from Banquet Darling, the eccentric and high-energy moniker of Newcastle artist Todd Kilby. If you’ve been searching for a track that pairs the thumping pulse of a warehouse rave with the gritty attitude of a basement punk show, your playlist just found its new centrepiece.
Kilby is no stranger to the spectacular. Having spent years traversing the globe as an acrobat, director, and musician, his creative DNA is steeped in the theatrical. From the high-pressure environments of Hong Kong theatres to the quiet solitude of long-haul flights, Kilby has been meticulously stitching together melodies in transit. This nomadic history birthed the 2021 debut album 'Dreamlove Obscura', a record that earned a dedicated cult following for its refusal to play by the rules.
‘Dynamite Daddy’ continues this tradition of delightful defiance. At its core, the track is a "four to the floor thumping delight" designed to get bodies moving, but the polish of the pop-rock production hides a much cheekier undercurrent. The single leans heavily into themes of grandeur and irreverence, stirred together with a "sprinkle of the occult." It’s a song that invites you to revel in "the glitz and glamour of grimoires and debauchery," effectively thumbing its nose at the drab constraints of puritanical propriety.
Musically, it’s a kaleidoscopic affair. While the foundation is firmly dance-punk, there are flourishes of psychedelia and rock that prevent the sound from feeling one-dimensional. It’s rare to find an artist who can make the esoteric feel so accessible, yet Kilby manages to make chanting about ancient rituals feel as natural as a catchy pop hook.
Whether you’re a long-time follower of his "eclectic originality" or a newcomer looking for a sonic escape, this release proves that Banquet Darling is one of the most inventive forces in the current indie scene. ‘Dynamite Daddy’ is a flamboyant invitation to leave your inhibitions at the door and dance in the face of the mundane.
Stream the new single above, and be sure to keep up with Banquet Darling on Instagram and Facebook.
