The Bobby Lees – Napoleon
Woodstock trio The Bobby Lees return with “Napoleon”, their first single in two years and their debut release on Epitaph Records. The band went on hiatus in 2023, citing the music industry’s economic reality as making it nearly impossible for bands like them to sustain themselves. Last August, actor Jason Momoa stepped in to support them in creating a new album, backed by his docuseries On the Roam.
“Napoleon” comes from a more confident place than their previous work. Sam Quartin’s rapid-fire vocals cut through distorted guitars and propulsive drums. She describes the song as being about wanting to change rather than complaining about problems, about trying to live in the solution. The track references Napoleon Hill’s The Law of Success and Winston Churchill’s “never give up” philosophy while addressing the grind of trying to survive in music without getting consumed by the industry.
The band formed in 2017 and has released three albums: Beauty Pageant in 2018, Skin Suit in 2020 produced by Jon Spencer of the Blues Explosion, and Bellevue in 2022.
The Bobby Lees consist of vocalist and guitarist Sam Quartin, drummer Macky Bowman, and bassist Kendall Wind. Their live shows have drawn attention from Iggy Pop, Keanu Reeves, Flea, Debbie Harry, Jason Momoa, Henry Rollins, Juliette Lewis, and Tom Cruise. Henry Rollins called them “wild and different” and said “dangerous music is good for you.”
Quartin says Epitaph feels like the right home for the band, with everyone there feeling authentic and down for the cause. The signing to a label that’s hosted Rancid, Descendents, and Social Distortion marks a new chapter for the Woodstock band.
