CD Review of...
Brian Bonz
Susan the Boy Scout
By: Shannon Robinson
The first thing I noticed when I received this five song EP was the title of it, which was interesting. I didn’t know what to expect when I popped it in but unique and different is a good way to describe Brian Bonz. This EP is filled with a variety of samples and sounds, which can be overwhelming at times. From the sound of a triangle to a music box, you never know what you are going to hear in one song. You eventually get use to it and learn to appreciate it.
When it comes to vocals, I was left thinking, “Wow, I didn’t expect that” a couple of times. “The Hunger Song” was one I had to listen to more then once to really get my head around it. The sound of Caroline Kim makes the song different in a good way. “A Season of Handshakes” has a rhythmic beat that makes you move your feet. One thing that is unmistakable through it all is Bonz’s voice. It can be melodic and haunting at the same time. A good example of this is apparent in the song “Monday American Traffic,” which I took a liking to. You get taken by the strums of the guitar, beat of the drums, and his words. All of the songs are colorful in a way but amazing when you actually listen to everything and take it in.
After listening to it, I would love to hear a full-length album from Bonz. I believe it would be full of surprises and people would be amazed. His sound is unlike anything I’ve ever heard... and that’s a good thing.