Album review: The Von Bondies

It’s been five long years since we last heard from this scuzzy Detroit-based lot, and time has not been kind. Perhaps it was the pressure of following breakthrough hit ‘C’mon C’mon’, or some serious Jack White payback voodoo, but now, where should have roared a gutsy, triumphant comeback squeaks a patchy, mediocre-in-places record. It’s sad because ‘This Is Our Perfect Crime’ kicks off so explosively – all elastic basslines, and sleazy riffs – but what follows is mostly forgettable; a set of lacklustre melodies overshadowing genuinely pack-a-punch sentiment. “Can you say a good word about us?” howls Jason Stollsteimer on ‘Shut Your Mouth’. Not if you carry on like this.

Camilla Pia

More on this artist:
The Von Bondies NME Artist Page
The Von Bondies MySpace

5 out of 10