If ever there was a name of intent, Kildare mob Super Extra Bonus Party were as a subtle as a brick through a window when they came up with their own moniker.

There is a strong visual element to Super Extra Bonus Party, with record sleeves featuring the band dressed in animal masks and costumes.

Now based in Dublin, the SEBP collective has expanded from the original duo of Cormac and Mike, to include Gavin, Steve, Fatz, Nialler, Rodrigo and Sean in their ranks.

The instrumentation they bring makes a change from the earlier days of the band: "Well we always wanted to bring in instruments. It was more of Cormac and me doing electronics, more dodgy techno, scummy raves and that. Good fun nevertheless," claims Mike.

While electronica may have been at the band's nucleus, they have managed to encompass all kinds of hi-jinx since, with hip-hop, brooding guitars and clanking rhythms all getting a look-in on their eponymous debut album.

Of course, nobody wants to fall into genre-typing, as Mike explains. "We don't really like to categorise ourselves as anything. We listen to all types of music and try to come up with our own interpretations of as many as possible. Stuff gets boring unless you throw the kitchen sink at it."

The kitchen sink may also include throwing a MC who rhymes in Portugese to the mix, with Brazilian Rodrigo Teles joining the fold. While one story goes that they auditioned a number of Brazilian MCs, Mike has other ideas. "He used to be an aspiring left back in the Brazilian Under-21 International soccer team, but the Bonus Party had him kidnapped from the pub and brainwashed into their dumb ways."

Aside from the music, their visual representation seems to be key to SEBP. Record sleeves have them prancing about with all kind of furry heads on them (no, that is not code for a hangover), and their live shows come with all sorts of imagery. "The animal things are pleasing to look at I've been told, and it's good to stay anonymous to a certain extent and avoid the generic moody/abstract band photos. Nialler's visuals at the gigs are also an integral part of the show, because they're blooming brillo."

After 'Super Extra Bonus Party' receiving wide plaudits, it was perhaps no surprise that it made the shortlist for this year's Choice Music Award. While 12/1 outsiders at the time of going to print, there is a palpable feeling that they could be there to upset the odds, beating favourites like Cathy Davey or Delorentos.

"It's really nice to have you're work recognised by so many people, and to be nominated for this particular award is truly an honour," says Fatz.

In the meantime, Super Extra Bonus Party are out on tour in support of their new EP, 'Everything Flows', which features remixes from Jape, and Edmonton hip-hop wonderkid Cadence Weapon.

In typical Bonus Party-style, Fatz plays us out: "We were down at the local fruit and nut social that happens every Sunday at the tennis courts where we live. And low and behold didn't Cadence show up trying to sell a load of dodgy plums. Then Jape being the grape that he is showed up and just lost the plot.

"When we arrived they were on the ground naked trying to pull each others ears off! So we brought them both back to the gaff, played them the track and said instead of fighting lads would ye just go home and give this a quick remix for us please. And then..."

Super Extra Bonus Party play Baker Place this Friday, February 15th. Doors at 9pm. More at www.superextrabonusparty.com.

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