photo by Julia Callis
Bonny Doon are a quartet of Detroit musicians born from the city’s punk scene. Started as a duo by principal songwriters, Bill Lennox and Bobby Colombo; they were joined by the rhythm section of drummer Jake Kmiecik and bassist Joshua Brooks. After trying to keep their music in the punk genre, the band realized it wasn’t working and slowly drifted into a alt-country state reminiscent of the best of Pavement’s twangy ventures.
Like Nap Eyes, their tunes never get overly worked up in nature; relying on the casual observations to be the focal point of their intelligent lyrics. The songs are mostly sing from the perspective of twenty-somethings finding their place in this crazy world. The album opens with Relieved and opening lyrics. Now, you’re one year older / do you feel any different / its hard to tell. The track languidly looks at the dilemma of; “shit, I’m an adult now. What now?
What Time Is It In Portland sees Colombo pining after a love that moved away, all the while letting life just pass his by. Nothing earth-shattering but it should connect with anybody who’s ever been in that position. I See You is so easy-going and brilliant. A drunk birthday boy sitting by himself trading texts with his mom. The reading of the emojis is so understated; it is just brilliant.
All in all, this is a phenomenal debut. Keep an eye on these boys.
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Bonny Doon is on Instagram here
Bonny Doon don’t appear to be on Twitter but they’re on Facebook
