Blitzhacker - Von Zippers (The)

Advantages: Melodic riffs, stomping beats and intense vocals
Disadvantages: None that I can hear.

...Pawn Shoppe Heart is the second album from the garage rock band the Von Bondies. Making the move from an independent label to the corporate machine that is Warner music angered many of the Von Bondies underground fans back home in Detroit. They saw the move from ‘Sympathy for the record industry’ to Rise Records (owned by Warner) as ‘selling out’ and a move that contradicted everything that the Von Bondies stood for. In my opinion it is a good move for the band and the first step towards a more widespread acknowledgement of their musical prowess. Finally releasing themselves from the shackles of the ‘High Lord of the Detroit music scene’ Jack White (The White Stripes) in somewhat acrimonious circumstances, the Von Bondies have finally arrived. In December 2003 the Von Bondies finally got the media attention that they deserved... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very easy to listen through
Disadvantages: --

...-beat, foot-tapping "Chain Me Free" (which, as a bonus, has the music video for viewing on computers). "Borderline Creep" brings out the bands' local sound in its verses, but with a mature edge in choruses, often not found with the smaller bands. "The Restless" (possibly my favourite) incorporates a beat similar to that of a march, and the chorus uses harmonies in the backing vocals making this track so easy and fun to listen to. "More Than Local Boys" I must admit, is not as good as the others. Nonetheless, the catchy chorus, interesting drum sounds and clever mid-section lyrics still make this a good song. "Eryn Smith" is another favourite. Using interesting sounds in the intro, and a funky drum beat, you will find yourself tapping your feet in no time. "Jack Slap Cheer" is another fun song, seemingly typical, but somehow manages to make the song... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great lyrics, superb vocals and some great guitar work
Disadvantages: Mixed quality of tracks

...Lack of Communication is the debut album from the Von Bondies, a four-piece group hailing from the heart of garage rock, Detroit, Michigan. Like so many others the Von Bondies exploded out of Detroit in that giant fireball of noise that also gave us such garage-rock luminaries as The White Stripes and The Detroit Cobras. While The White Stripes have gone on to achieve notable fame The Von Bondies have been somewhat left behind. Their debut album was met with a mixed reaction from the press and only received that attention due to the fact that Jack White (The White Stripes) produced the album. The Von Bondies are made up of bassist Carrie Smith (the quiet member), guitarist Marcie Bolen (the unwitting trouble maker), drummer Don Blum (often described as the nicest man in Detroit) and last but definitely not least singer Jason... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful