Orange County, ska/pop/punk 7-piece Bite Me Bambi is the next band poised to help usher in a new wave of the beloved yet often maligned genre, and their new track ‘Hot Lava’ is here to help. 

Fronted by talented singer and superstar-in-the-making, Tahlena Chikami (who also moonlights as an actor and has appeared on shows like Parks and Recreation, Gilmore Girls, etc.), Bite Me Bambi sports a killer OC ska/punk pedigree, with other members having played in bands such as My Superhero, Save Ferris, and Starpool.

Through steady gigging and raucous shows supporting such legends as The Selecter, Fishbone, Reel Big Fish, Mad Caddies, The Toasters and more, Bite Me Bambi’s popularity continues to rise.

The clip was directed by Chris Graue of The Maxies, Suburban Legends, The 131ers and stars Megan Berndt and Vincent Del Rio.

Bite Me Bambi brings sounds reminiscent of British 2 Tone and 3rd wave ska into the 21st century. With energetic songs and masterful musicianship, BMB gets the crowd on their feet and dancing. Comprised of members from some of your favourite ska bands, this new group breathes fresh life to a genre that may have originated in Jamaica, and was honed in Britain, but was perfected in the haze, blight, glamour, and beauty of Southern California.

Watch the video for ‘Hot Lava’ below.

Love Classic Rock?

Get the latest Classic Rock news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

Lyrics to ‘Hot Lava’ by Bite Me Bambi:

There’s something I need to say
But I really just don’t know
I want for you to stay
But I cannot let you go
I know its not your style
But won’t you stay awhile here with me
Don’t you see

Baby, we’re burning hot lava
We’re melting to the floor
Baby, we’re burning hot lava
Please don’t shut that door
Baby, we’re burning Baby, we’re burning

You’re the one who lifts me up
When I am feeling down
And you always crack me up
We’re the best team around

So won’t you be the one to
Take a chance and run away with me
Don’t you see

Can’t you hear just what I’m saying
And that I need you here tonight
Tell me that you plan on staying
And that everything will be alright

Everything will be alright tonight
Don’t fear there’s no need to be hiding
To say no would only be denying
Tonight, tonight

Why wait, baby why are we stalling
Just take my hand you know that we’ll be falling
Tonight, tonight

Baby, we’re burning hot lava
We’re melting to the floor
Baby, we’re burning hot lava
Please don’t shut that door

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine