With influences from The Sex Pistols to Oasis, Berlin-based Ponte Pilas brings to the fore what rock 'n' roll is really all about: unhealthy amounts fun. The Scottish-Ecuadorian quartet place sharp-edged riffs next to irresistible melodies to make their songs highly infectious. This is true of new single "Last of a Dying Breed”, a song that salutes the heroes of rock and punk’s past: 
 

"This song is a rallying cry, a primal scream, that no matter how dark these times may seem, rock and roll endures. Nuclear apocalypse could eradicate all of life as we know it, but Iggy Pop and Keith Richards would still be hanging out and trying to work out how to snort cockroaches. This one is for them.”
 

These last icons, not fading gently but raging against the dying light, hold a timeless fascination. Their very survival contradicts the vast consensus of scientific opinion. The cyclical driving chords through the verse and chorus propel the listener into a stage of agitated excitement, the music and delivery recalling the Hives at their best. “I was born too weird to live but too lucky to die” screams singer Bolland, a prayer to bad behavior and otherworldliness, with echoes of Hunter S. Thompson.
 

This manic energy is captured well in the video, directed by the band themselves. Against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Berlin, two fighters come together to duel to death. The only entertainment left to those unfortunate survivors of the generalized catastrophe is a cruel blood-sport. However, one fighter, Randy Bullet, remains remarkably unphased by the destruction. The show must go on, and he performs a valiant and flamboyant dance with his opponent against all odds.
 

The four members of Ponte Pilas have been recording music together since 2017. The latest recording was done exclusively with original 60s and 70s equipment at Impression Recordings in Berlin. Together with recording engineer Robbie Moore (Florence & the Machine, Babyshambles), mixing engineer Andy Baldwin (Björk, Oasis, The Who) and mastering engineer Mandy Parnell (Paul McCartney, Depeche Mode), a new single of massive power has been created, generating much excitement. 

Biography

​

Berlin-based rock ’n’ roll band Ponte Pilas, namely Scottish frontman Calum Bolland and Ecuadorians Daniel Rivera (drums), Ismael Rivera (lead guitar) and Alejandro Iturralde (bass), formed in February 2017. With catchy guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section and anthemic choruses, the band’s chaotic live shows quickly earned them a reputation as one of Berlin’s most exciting up-and-coming groups.

    Drawing comparisons to Oasis, the Hives and the Stooges, Ponte Pilas’ music shows a keen ear for musical hooks and combines elements of both contemporary and classic rock. Their lyrics are cinematic in scope, with influences such as Hunter S. Thompson and Charles Bukowski. These songs are performed live with an intensity and energy that works audiences into a frenzy.

    Having played legendary Berlin venues such as SO36, SAGE Club and selling out a headline show at Musik & Frieden, last year Ponte Pilas toured throughout Germany and Europe. With a very simple philosophy, to make each show as wild and unique as possible, Ponte Pilas make the music that they love. Support tours with The Wedding Present and The Legendary Tigerman followed.

    Awarded the 2019 ‘Listen to Berlin’ Public Prize by the Berlin Music Commission, along with a showcase at the Most Wanted: Music convention, the band are garnering industry acclaim. Having enjoyed a German tour with post-punk starlets King Nun, the band recorded a new E.P. ‘So It Goes…’ with Impression Recordings’ Robbie Moore in June 2020. This will be released, following singles from the record, in early 2021.