“Malaysia has always been an authoritative nation. But where the authority ends, the bitchin’ party begins…” – Ben, Founder and Principle Troublemaker of Ben’s Bitches.

KL-based satirical-punk rockers, Ben’s Bitches, were originally formed as a joke (to mock band-of-the-moment John’s Mistress – which has since then disbanded). Keeping their namesake for shock value, Ben’s Bitches went on to piss off more people and appeared on the frontpage of local Malay newspaper, Harian Metro, under the headline: “Lyrik Syaitan!” (translation: Devil Lyrics!) on 15 February 2007.

Though not goat worshipers themselves, Ben’s Bitches’ risque live shows have resulted in damaged equipment and ear drums, minor injuries, and the occasional arrests.

Prior to becoming a full-fledged band, Ben’s Bitches were just 2 guys mucking around a computer, recording songs that were essentially riddled with Malaysian humour, wit and sarcasm. A total of over 30 songs were released across 3 homemade-CDR EPs: Bigger Than The Beatles, Cheaper Than The Pirates; Nibble The Nipple; and Flashbacks From The Future. A live recording entitled Live With Nobody featuring Khai (currently guitarist with The Rollin Sixers) on bass was also released around this time.

In 2003, less than a year after formation, Ben’s Bitches recorded their debut album, National Disservice, with the core line-up of Ben (guitar/vocals), CK (bass/vocals) and solo-folk artist-turned-caveman drummer Azmyl Yunor. Recording was reportedly done at a make-shift studio inside an abandon factory storage facility in USJ to “…capture the emptiness of unwarranted progress.”

After pushing the limits of senseless vulgarity and cough syrup abuse with songs like ‘Excuse Me Mr Policeman’, ‘Hang Hero’ and ‘Kotek Berbulu’ (translation: ‘Hairy Dick’), the band recorded their follow-up album, Mamak Conspiracy in 2006.

Named as such to incite comparisons between Mamak Restaurants, Money Laundering and former-PM Dr Mahathir; Mamak Conspiracy continued their style of sped up, snort up punk rock and boasted viral internet hit, ‘The Cha Cha Ska of Amber Chia’. The subject of inter-racial love with a Muslim girl was raised in the song, ‘Awek Lu Fit’ (translation: ‘Your Girl Is Hot’).

Ben’s Bitches are considered to be one of the first bands to revive the trend of singing in Malay, during the early 2000s, although majority of the band’s members were, and currently are Chinese.

Nearly a decade on, the band continues to rock n roll with its new line up of Ben, Jason (lead guitar), Khang (bass/vocals), Azmyl (guitar/harmonica/vocals) and Hock (drums). The band plans to record a new album tentatively titled, Pakatan Maut. CK has since left the band to concentrate on his businesses (ie: Massage Parlours) and his family.

Their new songs mark a departure from the “bodoh yang best!” (translation: “stupidity rules!”) ethos championed by CK throughout most of the band’s career. Stretching to the gutters of society, Ben’s Bitches now likens their songs to those of The Velvet Underground.

In an interview recently, frontman Ben said of the upcoming album: “Most people will hate it (our old fans included)… But those who like it, will LOVE it…”