I recently had the pleasure of seeing The Von Bondies play live during the NME Awards Tour concert in Liverpool where they almost stole the show. Performing their own distinctive take on garage, punk and soul Jason Stollsteimer (vocal, guitar), Marcie Bolen (guitar, vocals), Carrie Smith (bass, vocals) and Don Blum (drums) rocked the audience into submission. I couldn’t wait to hear their new album…

As a dynamic live band my biggest question was whether the band could transfer that vibrancy and rawness to record. They have. In fact it’s something of a rollercoaster ride starting with the ferocious beats of No Regrets. It fairly bounces along with Blum providing a rock steady drumming backdrop to a song with a strong melody, wonderful vocal from Stollsteimer and some stunning guitar riffs from the ladies. It’s a wonderful start, and just keeps getting better. Broken Man sets off at breakneck speed with strident guitar riffs and an expressive vocal that makes you believe… C’mon C’mon is the band’s first single from the album and is tailor-made for the chart. It contains wonderful changes of pace, massive melody and another Stollsteimer vocal onslaught. Tell Me What You See ups the stakes even further before one of my highlights, Been Swank, makes it slow and threatening entrance.

Then my favourite song on the album, Mairead, comes along to cement what is a hugely enjoyable album. The song has a slow, bluesy vibe complete with deadbeat bass rhythm, pleading vocal and some truly dark guitar riffs. Superb. PAWN SHOPPE HEART is an album that manages to convey a true reflection of the band’s dynamic live credentials, and with songs of sufficient diverse pace and mood to keep the interest at boiling point. It also provides each band member with the opportunity to show what they can do and includes an excellent vocal performance from Bolen (Not That Social) in addition to mighty drum and guitar play. A wonderful album and strongly recommended.

4/5