Review: A.A. Bondy - When the Devil's Loose (* * * 1/2)

Scott Bondy isn't the first artist to make the transition from rock 'n' roller to folk singer/songwriter, but as these kinds of musical career changes go, his is among the most successful. When his rock band, Verbena, broke up in 2003, Scott laid low for a few years before emerging again as A.A. Bondy, barely resembling his former, angsty self and crafting simple acoustic songs that earned numerous comparisons to Dylan, Petty and other folk greats where previously his vocal and lyrical style had been likened to those of grunge pioneer Kurt Cobain. Turns out Bondy's sweetly rough, restrained voice and newly improved songwriting were quite convincing, making his solo debut - 2007's American Hearts - an enjoyable, mature and natural evolution into the next stage of his musical journey. Now, with When the Devil's Loose, Bondy returns more confident and collected, though the formula that made his debut a success hasn't changed significantly.

The ten songs of the new record are a bit less consistent than those of Bondy's first, but the highs are higher and the results more frequently interesting. Opener "Mightiest of Guns" is perhaps the finest tune Bondy has written, a bare, finger-picked acoustic guitar line providing nearly all the accompaniment to the beautiful, melancholy poetry that makes the song so gripping. Other compelling moments include the album's title track - a more fleshed-out tune with drums, guitars, and violin creating an appropriately dark atmosphere - and "I Can See The Pines Are Dancing," a gently rolling cut which also includes a full band. The group of musicians contributing on When the Devil's Loose are exceptional, giving Bondy's tunes welcome depth and character without overshadowing him in the least. But you probably wouldn't expect less from a group that includes the Felice brothers (yes, THOSE Felice brothers), who just so happen to be Bondy's actual brothers-in-law.

With the album sitting at a fairly brief 37 minutes, it's obvious that A.A. Bondy prefers to avoid jam sessions or unnecessarily lengthy folk ballads, choosing simplicity and modesty over invention or grandiosity. And his restraint serves him well; When the Devil's Loose relies appropriately on the powerful lyricism and engaging melodies that lifts Bondy's music above that of so many of his singer/songwriter peers and into the company of the aforementioned classic folk legends. The mood on When the Devil's Loose is a bit darker than American Hearts, but it's more often solemn than gloomy and Bondy's lyrics inspire reflection and thought more frequently than simple sorrow. As a result, the album can seem sluggish when heard at the wrong time or in the wrong place, but if you'll afford the music a little patience, it works its way under your skin and firmly into your mind in a most enjoyable way. One thing's for sure, I'll be back for more in a couple years.

Download "I Can See the Pines are Dancing" from my other post.

MP3 Monday (late edition): A.A. Bondy, E-603, Sunbears!, Keegan DeWitt, Daniel Johnston

So I kinda missed Monday, but I was close this week. Here are some great tunes by some artists you may not be familiar with yet and a couple that have been around for a while. Enjoy!
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A. A. Bondy - I Can See the Pines are Dancing (MP3)

I first heard of A. A. Bondy a couple years ago and was very excited to get word about his upcoming record entitled When the Devil's Loose - set for release on the first of September. I've had a chance to listen to the album and I'm liking what I hear, especially this free single "I Can See the Pines are Dancing." Bondy's simple, melodic folk style and slightly rough voice make this one you should add to your collection. (MySpace)
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E-603 - Lights Out (MP3) and Dirtbag Baby (Mp3)

I'm not usually one that goes crazy over mash-ups, but I recently heard these two tunes from E-603 and I couldn't resist. Ethan Ward combines everything from Natalie Imbruglia to the Jackson 5 to hardcore rap (I don't know my rappers well) smoothly into slices of pop goodness that are easy to enjoy. Check out a couple tracks from his debut, Torn Up, which Ward released himself. (MySpace)
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Sunbears! - I'm Alive (MP3)

I'll admit I wasn't expecting much when I clicked on the link to listen to "I'm Alive," a song by Sunbears! from an EP titled Dream Happy Dreams. Fortunately, though the song certainly has the sort of overeager cheeriness you would expect from such a band and such an album, it's also quite good. I believe the EP has already been released, so give the rest of it a listen if you like what you hear here. (MySpace)
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Keegan DeWitt - Telephone (MP3)

Known for his beautiful film scores and lately for opening for the likes of Rhett Miller and M. Ward, Keegan DeWitt brings us a new album, this one a more pop-oriented set of tunes entitled Islands. "Telephone," the early single available here, is a nice showcase of Keegan's charmingly droopy voice and beautiful string arrangements and shouldn't be overlooked. (MySpace)
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Daniel Johnston - Freedom (MP3)

Here's a name you may be more familiar with. Daniel Johnston is back with his first album in six years, entitled Is and Always Was. The record, to be released October 6th, is a collaboration with producer/musician Jason Falkner and will have a slightly more hi-fi sound than some of his previous releases. Download the short, punchy "Freedom" for a taste of the upcoming album. (Website)