Since meeting in college around ten years ago, Jenna Desmond and Corey Campbell, better known as South Carolina duo Babe Club, have worked closely together to create bouncy indie pop, such as the recently released single “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.”
Inspired by acts such as Blondie and The Cardigans, the two were initially part of the indie rock band SUSTO, also based in Charleston, with Babe Club as a one-time side project. But with the release of their 2018 single “Hate Myself,” an angsty anthem showcasing the duo’s natural pairing, they left the band and dedicated themselves to Babe Club.
“Lazy Lover,” one of their most popular tracks to date, finds Desmond trying to get out of bed as the pulsating bass gives the song a pop-friendly feel without veering away from their indie rock roots. In the same vein, the guitar riff and slicked-back production on “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” zero in on Babe Club’s ability to capture catchy melodies.
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The “I wanna get to know you” chorus, while simple, shows off their tendency to take what would otherwise be relatively straightforward ideas in the hands of someone else and stretch them to their full potential. The slight vocal inflections in the second half add further variety to an already fun single that bubbles up into a perplexing yet vibrant synth ending.
Much like other music videos from Babe Club, the visuals for “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” lean into the playfulness of their music. Directed by Georgia VanNewkirk, Desmond and Campbell star alongside a cast of colorful characters in an equally colorful video where a dance party goes awry after one of the attendees is murdered in campy fashion. Considering other music videos for songs like “Together” show two nuns frolicking on a beach, the over-the-top visuals are just right.
Lately, the two have been dropping more and more frequently, potentially signs of a long-developed album that they have discussed since forming. In light of their recent consistency, it’s important to note that Babe Club has largely remained independent for most of its career, adding to songwriting and production duties carried out mainly by Desmond and Campbell. Whether or not a project is on the way, they know what their pocket is and continue to deliver each time a single comes out.
Words: David Sosa
“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” by Babe Club is out on streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and their website.
