The third album from this indie power pop from
At times the album carries a desperate urgency and struts its voracity. Immediately evident in the opening track “This is Our Perfect Crime” and “The Chancer,” which are tailor made for shout-a-longs. Then there is the more heart (and tear) on sleeve songs with layers of “ooohs” and swooning chorus’ that soften and reveal an appealing vulnerability; such as the indifferent first single “Pale Bride.”
A possible citation for the diversity could be due to singer and guitarist Jason Stollensteimer sharing writing duties for the first time with drummer Don Blum, on four of the twelve tracks, and producer Butch Walker (Hot, Hot, Heat, The Donnas), on two tracks. Also involved is Rich Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) who produced three of the tracks.
It makes sense then that what makes Love Hate and Then There’s You fun to listen to is the spectrum of tones of indie influence on the album. Ranging from the dive bar, anti-radio call-out of “She’s Dead to Me” to the bright, pop dance vibe of “Accidents Will Happen” to the snappy, a la “Earth Angel,” retro classic “Modern Saints” (“Take my hand/close that door/take my heart away/evermore.”) Therefore we can accept the dichotomy of grit and gloss as harmonious for they simply define the sound of The Von Bondies.
Aaron Simms
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