The Von Bondies - Pawn Shoppe Heart
[Reprise]
Published Tuesday, 3rd February, 2004 at 11:09 AM
UK release date: 3rd March 2004
Written by Andy H
Download: iTunes (UK) Amazon (US)
Buy CD: Amazon (US)
Third album for The Von Bondies & their most scorching to date. Where earlier releases were plagued by a dismal sound, producer Jerry Harrison (of Talking Heads fame) has caught their raw energy brilliantly, it's the nearest anyone will get to capturing the same impact of their blistering & shambolic live performances.
Unlike the other countless rock bands to emerge from the over-saturated garage scene, Von Bondies actually possess true hedonistic, carefree punk attitude. Without relying on mountains of feedback, they have not only the tunes to back them up, but they present a release of pure aggression & adrenalin.
It's taken this long to discover the real agenda of the group, only in 'Pawn Shoppe Heart' do we uncover a more diverse garage act, a rarity in itself. We hear influences other than the usual noise-fuelled guitar attack of The Stooges & MC5, namely the blues & soul being of equal inspiration. Combined with infectious melody & excellent song writing, tunes this killer & hip are something of a blessing. Rock on!
An album bursting with potential hits and chart friendly numbers without treading into deliberate, sell-out commercial territory. Fun, chaotic, dark and sizzling, sometimes within the space of one track. Jack White eat your heart out, surely 2004 belongs to The Bondies.
