Originally from Tel Aviv, the duo of Hank (bassist/pedal board) and Cupcakes (vocals/drums), whose stage names were inspired by the real life relationship of Charles “Hank” Bukowski and one of his lovers “Cupcakes,” moved to Brooklyn in 2008. And I was lucky enough to catch them play a set at the Astoria Music Now Festival in Astoria Park before many people heard of them. And although their sound at the time wasn’t as honed as it is now, I was impressed by Cupcakes’ raucously explosive, sensual energy, and by Hank’s effortlessly cool playing. They’ve played hundreds of shows across the NYC area and elsewhere, and have won over a quite a few people with their funky dance party – including yours truly. 

The Israeli duo’s forthcoming full-length was recorded at at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin where U2, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, Nick Cave, R.E.M. and several others have recorded seminal records. You an expect the full-length in 2013. “Sweet Potion,” which MTV Hive premiered recently is the first single from the Ain’t No Love EP that BMG Rights Management will be releasing on October 22nd in anticipation of the full-length, which you should expect to see relatively early in 2013. 

“Sweet Potion,” is a slick bit of funky pop that manages to be incredibly sexy, and has some rather infectious hooks. Guaranteed that it’ll make you shake your ass and want to impress the nearest pretty young thing. 

Also, Hank and Cupcakes will be on tour during the fall and winter – with a couple of NYC dates including the Wreckhouse CMJ Showcase at Fontana’s on October 20th; and a Mercury Lounge show on December 8th. The tour will also include stops in Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Charleston, SC; Jacksonville, FL; Tampa, FL; Miami, FL; Buffalo, NY; and several other locations across the country. Catch them. Trust me, you’ll have fun.