High school rockers, Bovinophobic Bile Puddle reflect on their origins ahead of graduation

A high school band called Bovinophobic Bile Puddle was born from a combination of teenage angst and a change in reality.

In the spring of 2020, as the Coronavirus pandemic tore through the United States at a terrifying speed, Charles Asklof, Oliver Booth, Everett Bovine, and Walter Swanson were just establishing their place at Iowa City High.

The quartet decided to form a proper metal band, one most wouldn't expect it. They refused to succumb to the sub-culture that comes with the genre.

They wanted to branch out and step away from the normal fashion trends and expectations of metal.

"I don't think we look like a metal band," said Bovine, vocalist and guitarist. "I just think metal fashion is cringe, like wearing spikes and leather vests with band patches. I'd rather just like wear cargo pants and boots."

BBP officially debuted with their first gig at Wildwood Saloon in March of 2022. They continued to grow, eventually playing gigs at house shows, Gabe’s and the Englert Theatre.

Their success is a massive leap from when they formed nearly four years ago. They simply hoped to collaborate and riff on the struggles of an everyday teenager, creating a persona they thought was unique and a bit off-the-wall.

"We named the band when we thought we were never going to make it out of the basement," Bovine said. "We thought we were going to make these crazy-sounding songs and call it Bovinophobic Bile Puddle. Sometimes, I wish we could change our band, but maybe it works."

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A collective purpose and a unique sound

Bovinophobic Bile Puddle set out to be different, describing their sound as "sludge," believing they produce music beyond any particular genre.

The band's definition of "sludge" isn't confined to one thing. Swanson likens it to an "obstruction of sound."

"I've never liked the idea of someone thinking we sound like another band," BBP drummer Asklof said. "I think it's fine if you think we sound like another band, but if people were to be like, 'Oh, you guys are exactly like this other band,' the first thing that comes to my mind is we're doing something wrong."

The band formed organically through friendships and similar interests.

Bovine was the catalyst, inspired by the sound of the popular band "Tool," invigorated by the atmospheric soundscapes and lyrical themes of existentialism.

Swanson, the band's bassist and oldest member, recalls meeting Bovine in their orchestra class, introducing Swanson to obscure musicians and heavy metal bands.

The meeting simultaneously inspired Swanson and sparked his curiosity.

"We sat next to each other in the orchestra, and [Bovine] showed me this album, and I thought it was the stupidest thing," Swanson said. "I thought it was also cool, though."

The band notes the music they listened to when they were younger as inspiration for why they wanted to become musicians. Booth inspired the sludgy riffs and heavy distortion of 90s grunge and punk, and Asklof took note of progressive rock influences and dynamic range of drumming from the band Rush to Wilco.

Bovinophobic Bile Puddle's raw experience and limits led them to their own sound with a collective eight years of musical experience from self-taught to classically trained. They are keen to cool, fast, and crazy riffs.

They also find lyrical inspiration from other bands but note most people aren't listening to their lyrics.

"We write outrageous songs," said Booth, who plays guitar and sings. "You can really tell that we were immature sophomores writing about cheese fries when we first started. We have gotten better as songwriters. It's a lot of nonsense with imagery."

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Expanding beyond the norm

Bovinophobic Bile Puddle has grown over the years, expanding beyond the days of simply producing music to let loose. They are focused more on encapsulating an entire generation of kids powering through the teenage years, offering a sound that is fun and inspiring.

BBP views its music as a place of solace for high school students and post-pandemic. While Booth and Bovine say they don't often write about their high school experience, they take their teenage rage and use it in a productive way.

The band believes they are a "middle finger to the culture and post-pandemic life."

"I think the idea and the energy of the band are definitely kind of like doing something different [from our peers]. It has gotten me through high school," Bovine said. "Everyone at our school is copy and paste, and it's frustrating to see everybody wearing the same clothes and having the same accessories; I just don't connect with them.

Our band is something different rebellious to like the culture or at least the culture of kids around our age."

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Taking the stage

BBP performed at the final installation of the Englert Theater's Local Showcase on Feb. 18 alongside other Iowa City punk bands. They considered their performance as a "full circle" moment, having attended shows at the Englert as kids, and concluding their senior year on stage as the future looms.

BBP is recording an album as a wrap-up to their high school careers, though they are unsure what's next once graduation hits.

"The album is going to be the bow that we put on top of the box and put BBP in for later," Bovine said. "We're just kind of four goofballs who never took this thing that seriously or wanted to become this big band; it was just this thing that came together.

Where you can find Bovinophobic Bile Puddle

Instagram: @bovinophobicbilepuddle

Spotify: Bovinophobic Bile Puddle

YouTube: Bovinophobic Bile Puddle

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Bovinophobic Bile Puddle wants Iowa City to know 'the kids are alright'