Rebel Kicks

It all started the day Anthony Babino walked into his younger brother’s room and simply said: “Here is a bass and here is a setlist—we have a gig Friday.” Up until then, the brothers had been lifelong musicians, playing and singing harmony with their father—a professional jazz musician—but had yet to find their music. Anthony had a weekly residency doing mostly covers, and Steven hadn’t even figured out what instrument best suited him. The Babino brothers were far away from the distinctive and diversely accomplished musicians they have become.

Today, Anthony and Steven are New York-based touring and recording artist,Rebel Kicks, a rock-leaning, indie-pop band with an electronic twist. Since forming in 2018, Rebel Kicks has released a full length album, A Portrait of Man: Part 1; a live EP; and a string of singles, several of which have been featured on MTV and Showtime. Live, the band augments its lineup with longtime bandmates, Daniel Bradley (drums) and Dorian Lake (keys/vocals). Rebel Kicks has shared bills with artists such as Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Mac Miller, Iggy Azalea, Incubus, and more. The brothers will be issuing a fleet of new singles in 2023, starting with the irresistibly energetic single, “Silhouette,” out February 10th.

“We grew up listening to so many genres—jazz, classic rock, Motown, R&B—and with Rebel Kicks we have finally found a project where we can explore our full range,” Anthony says. Steven adds: “It may sound cliché to say this, but life is a journey, and we finally hit upon a sound that reflects our journey.”

Rebel Kicks craft anthemic alternative pop refreshingly infused with social commentary and powerful personal revelation. Signature to the band’s musicality are bold electronic soundscapes, melodic basslines, arena-ready guitar riffs, soaring hooks, the brother’s harmony interlace, and emotive lead vocals. Rebel Kicks invite comparisons to modern alt-rock acts such as Grouplove, Portugal. The Man, The Killers, and Kings Of Leon.

For Anthony and Steven, Rebel Kicks represents the culmination of a wonderfully winding adventure in music. The band also offers an opportunity for the Babino brothers to do what they love together. “We are a very close family, and it’s been amazing for us to share in making the music that has always lived in us,” Anthony says. Steven adds: “We are best friends, and it’s not lost on me how lucky we are to make a living writing and performing together.”