The Wild Things Release Raucous ‘Friends With Benefits’ EP 

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Today, London by-way-of Los Angeles rock badasses The Wild Things drop the ‘Friends With Benefits’ EP (via PEG Records), a raucous and intoxicating sampling of the four-piece’s charm, skill and rock grit.

Previously announced via Rolling Stone, the new EP features collaborations with rock n roll icons and pop culture legends like Pete Townshend, KISS’ Tommy Thayer and Trixie Mattel. ‘Friends With Benefits’ showcases the serious talents of a rock band who aren’t concerned with taking themselves too seriously, boasting a thrilling, unabashed spirit that squarely has its finger on the pulse of the genre. ‘Friends With Benefits’ is a captivating snapshot of one of music’s burgeoning rock acts you need to know.

In celebration of the forthcoming EP release, The Wild Things are teaming up with Tommy Thayer and taking the new record to the streets of LA tomorrow (April 27th) when they will take over the city blasting the new record, do a performance on Hollywood Blvd at 1:30PM ET, and in the evening perform a free full concert with Thayer at The Bourbon Room in Hollywood (6356 Hollywood Blvd). Free ticket RSVP HERE.

Over the past few years, they’ve toured with The Who & KISS, and have been profiled by Kerrang! who called them “your favorite new band”, Clash who said they are “blazing a trail across London, with their snappy, infectious live show,” and Rolling Stone who praised “their hook-laden riffs, tight melodies, and White’s stage presence.”

“A lot of people ask - why do so many people love you? What is your special sauce? And the answer is a combination of genius and lighting,” jests The Wild Things. “This EP is a celebration of us working with some of the greatest musicians - and friends - we know. It’s also a great reason to name drop at parties. We can’t wait to finally show it off live in all its glory on the 27th, and introduce LA to a true The Wild Things extravaganza!”

The origin of The Wild Things is something from the wildest rock n roll dreams imaginable: The band’s frontwoman Sydney Rae White (who starred  in Young Dracula and Uncle on the BBC) and their lead guitarist Rob Kendrick originally met when they were cast as the two leads of a touring production of Quadrophenia, a staged musical based on the album by The Who of the same name. Through the experience they both fell in love (eventually getting married) as well as befriended Pete Townshend who, in a way, became a mentor for the artists. Shortly after Syd’s brother Cam and their friend Pete Wheeler joined forces to create The Wild Things.

Townshend would later work in the studio with The Wild Things (one of the fruits of their labor “Only Attraction” is on the new EP) as well bring the quartet on the road with them to play iconic venues like Madison Square Garden (The Wild Things’ debut US performance!) and London’s Royal Albert Hall. 

“I love the Wild Things. Their songs are great, their performances strong,” shared Pete Townshend. “The dedication and work-ethic is supreme but they always seem to be having fun. ONLY ATTRACTION is so damned good.”

The Wild Things have also formed a close friendship with another rock legend: KISS’ Tommy Thayer. The quartet guested on the KISS Kruise in 2022 where they caught the attention of the legendary guitarist who was so impressed with their performances that he helped invite them on the road to support an entire UK arena tour. Thayer would later join The Wild Things in-studio to write and record “Breaking Madonna”, a hedonistic jam that gives the new EP a suitable snarl & bite. 

“From the first minute I heard them play on the KISS Kruise, I knew they were the real deal,” said Thayer. “This new EP shows off the true magic of rock n roll and I can’t wait to see where they’re headed.”

Elsewhere on the ‘Friends With Benefits’ EP is their full-throttle cover of ABBA’s “Does Your Mother Know” as well as an achingly earnest rendition of Trixie Mattel’s “Red Side of the Moon” (which also features the drag legend & musician on vocals).

“I love The Wild Things, and their impromptu cover of Red Side really grabbed me,”said Trixie. “I always imagined it being sung by a woman, so I basically forced them to record it. So happy this song has a second life.”

There is much more to come from The Wild Things in the coming months, including new music and live shows. Keep your eyes and ears at the ready.