St Helens indie-punk band take a jab at pretentious drinkers with latest tongue-in-cheek single

The single – ‘Indian Pale Fale’ – is the fifth release from St Helens based Chicken Man and the Bad Eggs – comprising of singer Ryan Morris 27, lead guitarist Luke Hankinson, 23, rhythm guitarist Tasha Clough, 26, bassist Liam Shrives 27, and drummer Liam Hodson, 24.

The high-energy outfit have been making a name for themselves over the past few years – and not just because of their outlandish name.

Since forming in 2019, the St Helens band have been gigging around the North West and tasted early radio success with their debut single 'Peter Piper', which was played on the Dave Monks show on BBC Introducing Merseyside.

Previous single ‘Incredible Edible’ was also played on the same station, as well as on John Kennedy’s X-Posure show on Radio X.

'Indian Pale Fale' is out on all streaming services now

Their latest number is led by the band’s trademark high-tempo, punk guitar tones, which collide with frontman Ryan’s comedic song writing and sardonic quips.

‘Indian Pale Fale’ is a witty jab at the pretentious drinkers and craft-ale enthusiasts that exist in the modern world.

Taking influences from other high-energy, tongue-in-cheek bands such as IDLES, Cabbage and Shame, lead guitarist Luke, said: “All our songs are pretty playful. We’re a playful band, but this one’s a bit more directed at pretentious drinkers."

Luke, a joiner by trade, added: "We’re looking at the stereotypes of pretentious drinkers and it’s a funny song. We’re saying that [these people] think they’re too cool […] we just have a pint of Stella.”

Hoping to capitalise on their release with Allo Records, a Widnes-based indepedent record label, the band guarantee that the single’s follow up music video will be ‘one to remember’ - which promises to bring their music and ideas to life in a typically sarcastic fashion.

Chicken Man and the Bad Eggs playing live

With their music, the five-piece claim they want to deliver a sense of bewilderment to their audience, while having as much fun as possible.

Promising that they aren’t a band you want to miss playing live, frontman Ryan said: “I try to give off as much energy as I physically can when I perform, it makes the audience excited and captivated.

“I want to leave them with a sense of bewilderment, asking themselves ‘what have I just witnessed?'."

While it has been a difficult 18 months for the band unable to play any live gigs, Luke said the band used this time to write new songs and get their name out by playing live streams online.

The band will headline local 'Clockstock' festival on Saturday, August 21

Looking to a future that finally allows gigs to go ahead, Luke said: “There’s stuff to look forward again now, so it’s just about creating a vibe to get people interested [...] We're hoping to get more local support and inspire people how we've been inspired.”

He noted that while there are enough music enthusiasts in St Helens, there needs to be more done to create a live music scene in the town – which could attract a variety of bands to play at local venues and encourage local people to start their own group.

In the process of booking more gigs around the North West, Chicken Man and the Bad Eggs will headline local festival ‘Clockstock’ at Clockface on Sunday, August 22.

'Indian Pale Fale' is out on all streaming services now.