Have you ever imagined what a Norwegian death-punk rock-n-roll quartet sounded like? Yeah, the thought never really crossed my mind either, but at least after listening to this CD I have a tiny grasp on what it might be like. The weird thing is that it is really hard to pinpoint exactly where these guys are coming from.
While Bonk carries their own throughout their sophomore Ace Fu release, I can’t help but think that they are a combination of a less in-your-face version of Division of Laura Lee (whatever happened to them?) and a less-pissed-off Burning Brides (where did they go as well?) during “Gifted Children.” At times they do have a little bit of British rock fanfare as heard in “The Homecoming,” but for the most part this is straight up garage punk-rock.
At least that was the case until “Images” came on halfway through the album. By now you have a steady flow of Judas Priest coming out of the speakers and smacking you in the face. Then there is “Demian,” the three-minute throwback to late ’80s alt rock. Just when you think it couldn’t get any stranger, the blaring saxophone, punk screams and Motorhead guitar riffs stomp in on “Young Men.” The band does try to show their softer side on the melancholy “Lord, Give Us Your Hand,” a track that allows vocalist Dez to practice his singing rather than screaming voice. Yeah, it really is this all over the place.
Bonk shows promise, and while it might not be for the faint of heart, they are easily labeled as one to watch out for in the future. What I can tell you is this; they remind me of the music I listed to when I was living another life in Los Angeles, one that delighted in the seedy underbelly of urban living.
