The Von Bondies’ new album, “Love, Hate and Then There’s You” is garage rock at its best. The pulsing, verve-filled album is a welcome breath of fresh air in my CD rotation. It’s been over four years since their last album, “Pawn Shoppe Heart,” was released. And while that album pushed them to the brink of fame, it didn’t quite pan out. However, this new album is an exceptional reintroduction to the Detroit-based band.
The album kicks off on a high note with its lead track, “This Is Our Perfect Crime,” which states their credo right off the bat. With lyrics like “We are the spark/we are the grit/we are the underground…,” the song is reminiscent of Twisted Sister’s anthem “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and Kiss’s axiom-filled “Rock and Roll All Night.”
“Shut Your Mouth” immediately follows it; this second track is a raucous, taunting lullaby that has lead singer Jason Stollsteimer singing, “Go to sleep little baby and shut your mouth.”
“Pale Bride,” the album’s first single, is the song that piqued my interest in the band when I heard it on the radio. It’s a pulse-pounding number full of contradiction with passionate, yet apathetic lyrics. Each song on the album pumps you up even more than the last. The exuberant “21st Birthday” is full of vitality with guitar riffs worthy of Rock Band or Guitar Hero. The vigorous, shredding guitar sounds are present throughout the entire album, especially in songs like “Accidents Will Happen” and “Earthquake.”
Despite the band’s ever-changing lineup, The Von Bondies still have a hunger for fiery music and a visceral, raw rock sound that leaves you feeling anything but lethargic.
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