Feature / One Question Interviews
Bankrupt

Words: Dennis • February 21, 2024

Bankrupt
Bankrupt

Rocco (Bankrupt – vocals/bass/lyrics)

SPB: You release albums both in your mother tongue and in English. Which do you prefer and why? 

Rocco: The original concept when we started the band was singing only in English, as most of our influences were British and American punk rock bands.

But while this made it easier to play abroad, it was a huge disadvantage in Hungary, so we had to do something about it.

Writing good Hungarian lyrics that fit this style of music is a lot more difficult, so it's been a long learning process, but I've figured out eventually how to do it.

I remember that it felt weird when I started singing in Hungarian first, but by now it feels more natural, especially because now there's a crowd singing along with me.

Our Hungarian fans also like to check out the English versions, and there are also non-Hungarian speakers who listen to the Hungarian versions because of the unique sound of the language, so it's worth doing two versions of each song, even though it's a lot of extra work.

To answer the question, it depends on the song. In some cases I prefer the Hungarian version, in some cases the English and sometimes I like both the same.

It's probably the same with the others, apart from our Italian guitarist, who doesn't speak much Hungarian, so he prefers English. :)

---

www.bankrupt.hu

Dennis • February 21, 2024

Bankrupt
Bankrupt

Related features

The Goons

One Question Interviews • April 13, 2026

Serge (The Goons - vocals) SPB: How did writing the new material compare to when you sat down and started work on your last record – 19 years ago? Serge: The old stuff was written more collaboratively than the recent songs. These days we don’t get together as often as … Read more

The Arrivals

Interviews • April 12, 2026

The Arrivals have been a band for 30 years -- though they’ve made us wait 16 years for the follow-up to 2010’s Volatile Molotov. While a ton of time has passed and the band has moved, literally in some cases, and raised children in others, their sound is still the … Read more

The Gits

Interviews • April 11, 2026

Almost three decades after their original run, The Gits remain a vital part of Seattle’s punk rock history. Their raw intensity, emotional directness, and fiercely independent spirit continue to resonate with new generations discovering them through streaming platforms and reissues. In 2026, the band’s legacy is further honored with the … Read more

Dead Pioneers

One Question Interviews • April 2, 2026

Abe Brennan (Dead Pioneers) SPB: How many Nazi teeth do you think you could knock out in a single punch? Brennan: Hi, Chuck, nice to hear from you, and thank you for the opportunity to discuss the dislodging of Nazi teeth. I appreciate it. So knocking Nazi -- or any … Read more

Death of Youth

One Question Interviews • March 31, 2026

Rob David (Death Of Youth – vocals) SPB: What is the weirdest description you’ve heard of your music and could you see where the commenter was coming from? David: One outlet once described our single “Fix Your Heart or Die” as “An emotionally charged piece of heavy rock combining 80's … Read more

Related news

Bankrupt is Blacklisted

Posted in Records on November 27, 2024

Bankrupt - political punk from Hungary

Posted in Records on July 16, 2023

CBGB company files for bankruptcy

Posted in General News on June 14, 2010

Related reviews

Bankrupt

Illiberal Holiday
Independent (2023)

There can be many reasons to pick an album to review. Sometimes it is the description, sometimes it is a connection with another band and sometimes it is the artwork. Upon seeing this for the first time I thought: “This better be good, ‘cause artwork like this deserves something good!”. This thought got stronger and stronger after I discovered every … Read more

Bankrupt

Rocket to Riot City
Piar (2009)

Wow. I am sick to death of reviewing bands from across the pond. This time it's Hungry. One of my favorite uh adult actresses of all time was from Budapest. Michelle Wild...yeah...she was a dirty girl. I guess she got married and found God or something. Oh well. ANYHOW, Bankrupt are a very typical punk rock band that I had … Read more

More from this section

The Goons

One Question Interviews • April 13, 2026

Serge (The Goons - vocals) SPB: How did writing the new material compare to when you sat down and started work on your last record – 19 years ago? Serge: The old stuff was written more collaboratively than the recent songs. These days we don’t get together as often as … Read more

Dead Pioneers

One Question Interviews • April 2, 2026

Abe Brennan (Dead Pioneers) SPB: How many Nazi teeth do you think you could knock out in a single punch? Brennan: Hi, Chuck, nice to hear from you, and thank you for the opportunity to discuss the dislodging of Nazi teeth. I appreciate it. So knocking Nazi -- or any … Read more

Death of Youth

One Question Interviews • March 31, 2026

Rob David (Death Of Youth – vocals) SPB: What is the weirdest description you’ve heard of your music and could you see where the commenter was coming from? David: One outlet once described our single “Fix Your Heart or Die” as “An emotionally charged piece of heavy rock combining 80's … Read more