BRONCHO is a small indie band from Norman, Oklahoma formed in 2010. The band consists of current members, Ryan Lindsey, Nathan Price, Ben King and Penny Pitchlynn. The project began as a loose recording project; however, the demos they recorded became the base for the band, which took heavy inspiration from early punk music such as the Ramones and the Stooges, with a mix of ‘80s college rock. BRONCHO released its debut album titled “Can’t Get Past the Lips” in 2011, and it was well-received upon its release. NPR ranked it one of the best albums of that year.
Its second record, “Just Hip Enough To Be A Woman,” was released three years later in 2014, and then followed by “Double Vanity” only two years later. However, the record took a different spin from the rest of their albums, having more of a new wave feel than their usual punk alternative style. BRONCHO released another album in 2018 titled “Bad Behavior” and they are slated to release its fifth album “Natural Pleasure” in April 2025, making it their newest record in six years. The band has seen its fair share of the road as well, touring with bands such as Cage the Elephant and Queens of the Stone Age, as well as headlining their own shows.
BRONCHO’s music has also appeared on the screen, including on the popular TV shows Reservation Dogs, Santa Clarita Diet, HBO’s Girls and the comedy Vacation.
Just Hip Enough To Be Woman ( 2014 ):
“Just Hip Enough to Be Woman,” the band’s second record released in 2014, spans eleven tracks, clocking in just around thirty-two minutes of playtime. With its funky beats, unique name, and artsy album cover, it’s a record that will draw listeners in. BRONCHO can almost be called the definition of a garage band. The focus is on the overall vibe of the album and the instrumentals. The lyrics and vocals are thought of as backup. The beats should linger in one’s head for days, catchy and even distracting. It’s one of those records that is truly an experience to listen to. It requires a careful ear and the ability to focus on many different noises simultaneously. The sound of the bass, drums and vocals. “Just Hip Enough to Be Woman” might be slightly repetitive in its style with its “one-note” focus, but it still provides an interesting and catchy introduction to experimental indie punk music and stands out from the crowd of other 2010s music.
Class Historian:
“Class Historian” is one of the highlights of the record and has become a fixture on my own playlist. The song is the second on the record and begins quickly. The opening lines are a vocalization of the words “do-do-do” paired with a heavy bass guitar in the background. “Class Historian” feels like the background music to a montage of someone getting ready in a hurry and sprinting out of their house. It’s not exactly an anxiety-inducing track; however, it makes a heart race and pumps you up for the day. The song is about lead singer Ryan Lindsey’s experience in school, being labeled as the class historian, and imagining a school reunion that he never attended. The song was the album’s breakout, featured as a single released before the album. It was also featured as one of the songs on the award-winning TV show Reservation Dog’s soundtrack.
Stop Tricking:
Track seven of the album, “Stop Tricking,” is one of the most underrated songs of the album. The soft vocals and strong guitar that layers it all together make for a unique listening experience that will make you truly believe that BRONCHO recorded this album in an actual garage. The vocals are almost meant to be in the background to let the instrumentals of the band shine. It’s a great song to throw on as it doesn’t require much focus as the lyrics are secondhand compared to the rest of the song.
China:
“China” is the last song on “Just Hip Enough to Be Woman,” and immediately pulls listeners in with a sharp bass guitar. The feel of the song feels like post-USSR Russian music, heavily influenced by Western punk and hard rock music. Again, “China” focuses less on the vocal part of the song. The lyrics are hard to decipher, which makes the listener have a closer ear to what Ryan Lindsey is saying, which in turn makes them focus on the instrumentals, the real highlight of the album. The track is one of the best on the record and ends the album on a high note, a memorable track that will stick with you after the listen.
BRONCHO’s unique take on the punk movement makes them a memorable band to listen to, especially since their records cover not only punk but new wave and pop as well. The band is currently on tour to promote its album, “Natural Pleasure”, which will be released in April 2025. They will make a stop at The Shelter in Detroit on August 10, 2025.
