The Bad Penny (beta)

Mayhem in the tallest order is slated for tonight at Boise’s Treefort Music Hall, which is still (as Outkast would say) “so fresh and so clean” after opening a couple of years ago. It’ll be something of a miracle if the venue is still standing, and if the Hall’s top-of-the-line acoustics are still intact, at the end of the night. On tap for the shambolic shenanigans are self-described “barbiegrind/bimboviolence” combo BRAT, blackened-deathcore demons Ov Sulfur, technical death/thrash metal vets Revocation and irreverent melodic death-metal monsters Nekrogoblikon.

The Bad Penny had the good fortune and distinct pleasure of catching up with BRAT, who graciously granted us some of their time after the bill’s performance last night in Seattle, to talk about some of what they have up their collective sleeve for tonight’s destined-to-be-unhinged show. Expect to hear ample selections from BRAT’s latest full-length, Social Grace, which they released early last year through discerning metal label Prosthetic Records–and a slamming cover of Heart’s “Barracuda” that’ll blow your socks out through your eyeballs.

The band–consists of guitarist Brenner Moate, vocalist Liz Selfish, drummer Dustin Eagan and bassist Ian Hennessey–are now in their fourth year. Below is what Selfish generously shared with The Bad Penny just a few hours ago … and if her comments alone don’t sway you to buy a ticket, the embedded videos surely will.

Do you know if the Wilson sisters from Heart have caught wind of your “Barracuda” cover yet?

I don’t know if they’ve heard it, but it would be very cool if they have!

What was the highest high and lowest low of your recent inaugural trek across Europe?

For me personally, I got incredibly sick on the tour with the flu, so I had a bit of a rough go for a couple weeks. But the shows were amazing, and the other bands on the tour stepped in to help on vocals during my sickness, which was very selfless of them. I’m excited to return to Europe this summer and hopefully not get sick this time!

You’ve played with Gwar in the past, and now you’re supporting Nekrogoblikon. Do BRAT have a fetish for linking up with masked metal groups? Have you guys ever considered wearing them yourselves? 

We like bands that like to have a good time, and both of those bands encapsulate fun. I don’t think BRAT will be adopting masks anytime soon. I like having deranged facial expressions onstage. 

On the whole, who takes themselves too seriously, metal bands or metal fans?

Depends. Both, sometimes! But there are also a lot of bands and fans that are down for good time. 

As you’re getting bigger and touring more nationally–and now across the world too–do you still feel connected to the NOLA metal scene, to the extent there still is one (thanks to the Internet sorta replacing local scenes in general)?

Absolutely. We’re very proud to be from New Orleans. The community there has so much diversity with great bands of all styles. Touring does have us missing shows a fair amount, but we like to go to local shows as much as possible when we’re home. 

Are you writing any new material while touring or waiting till you return home and get a breather first?

We have been writing for the most part at home, but occasionally Brenner gets the chance to write some riffs while we’re on tour on the occasional off-day.

Grab your ticket for BRAT’s all-ages show at Boise’s Treefort Music Hall tonight with Nekrogoblikon, Revocation and Ov Sulfur on the venue’s website. Doors are at 6 p.m.

Still on the fence? Hop, skip or jump over to BRAT’s Bandcamp page to listen to additional tunes from the band (and buy some BRAT music while you’re at it).

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Valadez

This entry was posted on 05/11/2025 at 4:35 am and is filed under Interviews with tags BRAT. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.