Quick history lesson: Jack White gives the Von Bondies a musical leg-up. Singer Jason Stollsteimer disses Jack and gets a face full of fist for his troubles. Von Bondies get a major record label deal, Jack gets charged, everyone “moves on”.
The similarities in sound are unmistakable; the Von Bondies start with full-pace, 100% breakneck psychobilly mania and the style doesn’t change at all after that, just the chosen chord. It’s pure pogo music. As a four-piece they have quite a full sound with Carrie Smith and Marcie Bolen flanking him and providing nonchalant vocal contrast against Jason’s Stateside wailings.
It’s an unrelenting onslaught of three-minute mosh-anthems. Taken on that level they’re a fine bunch with a fresh, distinctive take on guitar-based fun. There’s even a bit of good old-fashioned fun with the “you two down there, you’re not you’re clapping – you’re wasting our f****** time” schtick. Always goes down a treat.
A criticism sometimes levelled at the Von Bondies is a lack of variety. It’s a fair enough accusation, but they do make for a great novelty festival slot. I wouldn’t fancy much more than an hour of it, but in the absence of a decent squash court or step aerobics, they’re guaranteed to leave you breathless.