Swansea band Baby Schillaci recently released their furious and exciting debut album The Soundtrack. The records raw and unflinching approach is rooted in post-punk and noise, the band’s aggressive yet intricately layered compositions evoke comparisons to seminal acts like Mclusky, At the Drive-In, and Fugazi. Their visceral melodies, twisted time signatures and contorted riffing also remind you of The Dead Kennedys.
We described their recent single as “a tour de force, bristling with a frantic energy and instability. The track’s sharp edges and chaotic rhythms reflect Baby Schilleci’s signature post-punk aesthetic, delivering a raw, uncompromising landscape.”
Featuring members Tom Richards (guitar/vocals), Richie Lewis (guitar/vocal), Andrew Evans (bass) and Tom Williams (drums), they’re known for their relentless energy and erratic performances. Baby Schillaci continue to push the boundaries of the craft with an LP that encapsulates their unfiltered approach to song writing. We sent them some questions to get to know them a bit better.
Hi, how are you today?
Shit. It’s pissing down. Everyone’s either ill or moaning about being ill. I think i’m ill or just overdoing it. How are you today?
How did you meet?
It’s 2022 in Swansea on a Monday. An open mic night. There’s a bass, drums and 2 guitars w/ amps (crappy solid state ones). We have never met. Up we go. Drummer counts 4 and we play paranoid android note perfect. In that moment we had to play together for the rest of our lives.
Where does your name come from?
We had a shortlist of names that were screaming to be cool. None really hit the mark, so we settled on our favourite 90’s footballer whose name ended on a beautiful vowel. God rest toto x
What was the first thing you released?
Our first EP in 2023. It was written and recorded before our first gig so we didn’t know who or what we were. Mostly QOTSTA’isms and a hodgepodge of ideas.
What’s the music scene like back home?
Swansea has a rich musical heritage. There have been blips along the way but a there’s a strong current crop and a bright future ahead.
How would you describe your music in five words?
Holier than thou punk (could only think of 4).
Which artists do you admire?
St Vincent
Kendrick Lamar
Thom yorke
Adwaith
Which albums do you share a love of?
In utero
To pimp a butterfly
A heroes death
What would be your dream collaboration?
Tom: ‘James dean Bradfield in any way possible or an album of piano ballads with Neil Hannon. One of them pianos with keys either side. Pure Walker brothers. We’d wear bad elvis impersonator fancy dress and we’d laugh at ourselves thinking we’re such guys’
Richie: ‘Nick cave and warren Ellis. End of’
Can you tell us about your latest release?
It’s a straight through slobberknocker on the joys of modern life.
What’s the best artist/band you have played with so far?
Toughy that! Honourable mentions to Monet, lacross club, hwdu
What’s on your playlist?
The new sound – Geordie greep
Rack – Jesus lizard
Schalgenheim – black midi
Do you have any shows lined up?
November 18 @ The Victoria, London
