The Von Bondies: Ruby Lounge, Manchester: 27.4.2009
AS A FAN of The Von Bondies I was both excited and worried about the prospect of seeing them live for the first time.
I really like ‘Love, Hate And Then There’s You’, Von’s latest album, but I was concerned that the five year gap the band had taken between records would make it difficult for them to draw a big excitable crowd.
There was no need to worry.
The fans turned up in force, and the buzz could be seen on every face.
Right before I get into any analysis I’ll update you on Von’s current line-up as they like to mix it up a lot. They now consist of founder members Jason Stollsteimer, vocals and guitar, and Don Blum, drums and percussion. The boys have been joined by Leanne Banks, bass and vocals, and new girl Christy Hunt on guitar and vocals.
Let’s get into it.
I’ve always felt that if I were in a big band (three albums plus) I’d ditch the offer of playing huge arenas and just ply my craft in small venues. I think it keeps the fans hungry and accelerates the hype of the gig. And that is why I think the combination of Von’s reputation, their catalogue of songs and the intimacy of the Ruby Lounge made for an excellent show in Manchester.
Right from the off the crowd were baying out for their favourite tunes - including tracks of the latest record, which was only released on May 4. The band were happy to oblige, abandoning the set list to give the kids exactly what they wanted.
Leann’s role on stage was pivotal for creating this CBGBs-esq mood – she really gave the wild-eyed watchers a taste of what a grimy rock band should be about as she leaned over the barrier and thrashed her bass above their heads.
The frenzied attendees responded to these shapes by pogoing to hit after hit; including ‘Lack of Communication’, ‘It Came From Japan’, ‘C’mon C’mon’, and new singles ‘Pale Bride’ and ‘Earthquake’, released on April 27.
The reason that The Von Bondies still attract fans that have got a bit of fight in their blood is because they have remained loyal to their Detroit punk sound. Maintaining this aggressive electric intensity has stood the band in good stead over the last decade and makes for a really gritty dark performance.
The complexity of Stollsteimer’s screams, that fly out from underneath his fringe, also add to the harsh power of the band. And when this is accompanied by simplicity of the girls’ chants, which back his vocal, The Von Bondies reach their perfect leather clad opium-washed sound.
They’re the ultimate punk band to come out of indie’s rebirth in 2000 - alongside Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Vines. Interestingly BRMC’s Rick Parker produced three tracks on ‘Love, Hate And Then There’s You’.
For their final bow of the Manchester show the band asked if anyone could play guitar – one plucky young indie skamp shouted “I play drums” and before he knew it he’d been dragged onto the stage and was playing along to Von’s encore. The band knew that this was a great way of endearing themselves to the fans and seeing that guy destroy a drum kit with a delighted look on his face will live with me forever.
If you mixed the amber sound of The Velvet Underground with the screams of The White Stripes and the intensity of The Clash with the casual backing singing of Elastica you get The Von Bondies.
To sum up – The Von Bondies are brilliant. Buy the latest album now, I recommend tracks ‘The Chancer’ and ‘Only To Haunt You’, and while you’re at it try and grab the rest of the back catalogue too if you don’t already have it.
Words: Will Astbury
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