AA Bondy: “Surfer King”
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He’s not quite folk, but he’s not quite rock and roll. He’s A.A. Bondy.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, the singer formed his first band Verbena with high school friends in the late 90s. After Verbena’s breakup, Bondy struck out on his own. He recorded his debut American Hearts deep in the Catskill mountains. He released the record in 2007 and followed up with 2009′s When the Devil’s Loose.
His latest record is his most cohesive to date. Whereas past releases found him treading a well-worn folk route that recalled Bob Dylan’s early career, Believers finds Bondy in front of a full band, acting as a fiery frontman as the songs burn with a new-found intensity. “Surfer King” is a highlight from the album, mixing a dreamy sound with Bondy’s haunting lyrics. But Bondy doesn’t just sing his lyrics, he breathes them.
–Paul Carrubba
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