Bonjah - Go Go Chaos (30/08/2011)
It’s been over two years since Melbourne quintet BONJAH released their highly acclaimed debut album Until Dawn. But now they’re back, and they’re bringing their style of edgy, gritty blues n roots with them for their much anticipated second album Go Go Chaos.
This anticipation is, in part, thanks to Rolling Stone Magazine, who nominated BONJAH for the 2011 ‘Artist To Watch’ award before their sophomore full-length release had even hit the shelves. Singles Something We Should Know, The White Line and title track Go Go Chaos have also received heavy rotated on Triple J, proof that Australia liked what they were hearing.
All of this publicity and good press surrounding the band as their sophomore is released is evidence that the band has discovered a sound, and it is a sound that they are darn good at creating. It’s been a very long time since I have seen a band fit into the ‘rock and roots’ moniker so comfortably.
You only need to listen to the distorted, rock-tinged riffs and tribal rhythms of opener Lady Listen to see what this album has in store for you. I fell in love with this album instantly; I fell in love with its cheeky riffs, its fragility, and its command over me as a listener- all of this, and more, come packaged into 11 perfectly crafted songs.
Singer Glen Mossop’s aching vocals are reminiscent of those of The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and I find as I listen through the album, the two bands bear a striking resemblance to each other.
Mossop’s vocals are full of yearning, soulfully aching and captivating. The delicate combination of powerful and emotional lyricism layered over the Clapton-esque riffs, bluesy guitars and tribal elements make for one hell of a combination, the end result being some truly powerful and beautiful songs.
Whilst many bands in the past have failed to produce smooth flowing albums, the change-up in tempo and style throughout Go Go Chaos is done effortlessly. There are moments of country/folk in Something We Should Know and The White Line, whilst other songs take a more solemn road. The rollicking fun of the aforementioned tracks runs seamlessly into songs like Go Go Chaos, whose atmospheric and gentle nature is a standout, whilst the delicate guitars and the sincere, heartfelt lyrics in Brother compliment the release while the soothing ballads of Give and Sand give the album heart and soul.
Go Go Chaos is the kind of album that would go swimmingly with a glass of whisky (or a cup of hot cocoa, whatever your preference) as you snuggle up by the fire. In saying that, Summer is fast approaching; but I have no doubt you’ll soon find me down at the beach soaking up the glorious rays, with this wonderfully crafted LP on repeat on my headphones.
Keisha Hanbury
This anticipation is, in part, thanks to Rolling Stone Magazine, who nominated BONJAH for the 2011 ‘Artist To Watch’ award before their sophomore full-length release had even hit the shelves. Singles Something We Should Know, The White Line and title track Go Go Chaos have also received heavy rotated on Triple J, proof that Australia liked what they were hearing.
All of this publicity and good press surrounding the band as their sophomore is released is evidence that the band has discovered a sound, and it is a sound that they are darn good at creating. It’s been a very long time since I have seen a band fit into the ‘rock and roots’ moniker so comfortably.
You only need to listen to the distorted, rock-tinged riffs and tribal rhythms of opener Lady Listen to see what this album has in store for you. I fell in love with this album instantly; I fell in love with its cheeky riffs, its fragility, and its command over me as a listener- all of this, and more, come packaged into 11 perfectly crafted songs.
Singer Glen Mossop’s aching vocals are reminiscent of those of The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and I find as I listen through the album, the two bands bear a striking resemblance to each other.
Mossop’s vocals are full of yearning, soulfully aching and captivating. The delicate combination of powerful and emotional lyricism layered over the Clapton-esque riffs, bluesy guitars and tribal elements make for one hell of a combination, the end result being some truly powerful and beautiful songs.
Whilst many bands in the past have failed to produce smooth flowing albums, the change-up in tempo and style throughout Go Go Chaos is done effortlessly. There are moments of country/folk in Something We Should Know and The White Line, whilst other songs take a more solemn road. The rollicking fun of the aforementioned tracks runs seamlessly into songs like Go Go Chaos, whose atmospheric and gentle nature is a standout, whilst the delicate guitars and the sincere, heartfelt lyrics in Brother compliment the release while the soothing ballads of Give and Sand give the album heart and soul.
Go Go Chaos is the kind of album that would go swimmingly with a glass of whisky (or a cup of hot cocoa, whatever your preference) as you snuggle up by the fire. In saying that, Summer is fast approaching; but I have no doubt you’ll soon find me down at the beach soaking up the glorious rays, with this wonderfully crafted LP on repeat on my headphones.
Keisha Hanbury