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 memorable vocal melodies to create infectious hits. New single “Tinderbox”, inspired by the positive and radical work of the Fridays for Future movement, reflects the band’s more political and activist side. 
 

“A sun-drenched, neo-Beach Boys slice of optimism, Tinderbox careers through its run time with a bouncy positivity reflecting its subject matter. An anthemic salute to the passion and creativity of younger generations in their euphoric rejection of traditional political and environmental attitudes.”
 

With an engaging surf-rock hook, the song drags the listener into its careering flightpath. Singer Bolland cuts straight to the chase, espousing his learned pessimistic and resigned worldview. The chorus opens up into a soaring expulsion of these beliefs by the inspiring protagonists of this struggle, the youth. The bridge transforms into a Beatles-esque vision with serene backing vocals from Robbie Moore (Robot), reflecting the catalysing power of radical idea within an individual’s consciousness. The return to the final chorus, a scream of righteous anger, drives home the emancipatory message. 
 

The song was written after the band had been invited to Weimar to play for their Fridays for Future protests. With two vegan members, and actively involved in Extinction Rebellion and Music Declares Emergency, the band has been committed to environmental causes for some time. After seeing up close the work that the students in Weimar were doing was a much-needed reminder that change was possible and, indeed, in the hands of these young people, seemed inevitable. The song became a firm favourite of the band and their fans, reflecting a more optimistic turn in their music.

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

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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.