Working around writer's block - write a review!

Posted by Robert Craven on Sun, 04 Sep 2016

I've always loved music; I was fortunate enough to gig in the 80's & 90's and took it quite seriously. I also, through a musician's network in Ireland, review CDs and they get posted up on-line. Its a real help when the mojo's has abandoned me & the muse is on an extended tea break, so I'm putting this up, not only because I'm a huge fan of the man, but as an idea for anyone suffering with 'blank page syndrome' might think - I could review a book, article, local event and it does get the juices flowing!

 

Review of ‘Progress’ by Steve Bonino
There comes a point in every performer’s career where creatively, they are evolving to the point where the next step transcends them to the next level.
Bonino’s ‘Progress’ a ten – track album, produced, mixed and performed by him, with the brilliant Jimmy Keegan on drums and vocals, is at this point – everything fits.
Bonino’s pedigree is steeped in American west coast rock, soaring vocals with an innate nous for grooves and hooks; notably the opening track ‘Call to action’, ‘How to save the world’ and ‘Confucius says’, each a radio-friendly hit with a message to ponder.
‘Bleeding hand of ISIS’ is outstanding – a nod to Zeppelin, expressing the underlying unease of America’s role in the middle East, a grinding anthem for peace and reflection.
Similar to Bowie’s great leap forward after his Berlin days, Bonino isn’t afraid of risk; ‘Obsidian’, ‘Blood bullet playground’ are Bowie-esque scary monsters type songs which along with ‘Aphrodite’ push the boundaries of metal, synth and industrial drums and bass.
 
The message throughout Bonino’s work is peace, love and understanding, but for me the best track is ‘OK to disconnect’, touching on themes of paranoia, on-line 24/7, it’s an intelligent, brilliant song which you will be humming to yourself as you pull the plug on your kids PS4.
The last track ‘Hard and fast’, is speed metal belter, a bombast meld of Anthrax, Slayer and Metallica, with soaring guitars and meat processor drumming.
Everything about this album is pared down, clean and very well produced. The songs are strong throughout, never once mawkish of over-indulged. Bonino’s standard of musicianship and song writing is assured; nothing is left to chance, nothing is left to waste.
Having reviewed four of his albums, this one has breakthrough stamped all over it.
It’s his ‘Heroes’, ‘Low’ and ‘Lodger’ mashed into one.
Evolution of an artist.
In a word; brilliant
Robert Craven 2016