ARTIST: Brian Bonz and the Dot Hongs
TITLE: From Sumi to Japan
LABEL: Triple Crown / Favorite Gentlemen
GENRE: Rock
BITRATE: 189kbps avg
PLAYTIME: 0h 34m total
RELEASE DATE: 2009-08-04
RIP DATE: 2009-08-03
Track List
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1. Two Tree Blockade 2:04
2. Judy & The Alpha Queen 3:50
3. Kid Shit 3:05
4. Dee The Dinosaur 4:37
5. Christa McCauliffe's Cacaophony 3:02
(Reprise)
6. Intervale 1:08
7. The Tug at the Criminal 1:45
Declaration
8. Seafence 3:18
9. The Batman Song 3:17
10. Black Bear Hunt 4:13
11. Goodnight, Captain Revelstoke 4:17
Release Notes:
In a city that suffers from no shortage of charming singer/songwriters, itÆs
truly a feat to stand out among the hoards of NYCÆs affected youths whispering
into their home recording devices. Brian Bonz hails from the Brooklyn æhood of
Sunset Park, one that must also latch on to uniqueness if it is to be recognized
among the more accessible, hipper areas. Luckily for this spot it boasts the
boroughÆs highest hills and a stunning Manhattan view; it is from this vantage
point that Bonz made his transition from home tinkerer to Brian Bonz and the Dot
Hongs. This incarnation fiercely represents Sunset Park, having recorded the
bright, catchy From Sumi to Japan at its very own Seaside Lounge, and stands
proud by drawing on its eclecticism. Bonz might be an indie singer/songwriter at
first glance, but he brings in collaborators and guest instruments with the
ferocity of a sleepless ball of energy, lending layers and diversity to his
smooth vocals and casual guitar strums.
Brian BonzÆs boyish pop has an innocence to it that comes in part from his high,
sweet voice and the airy momentum of the songs themselves. As a solo act he
convinces with a thoughtful sincerity, while the Dot Hongs bring a strong
electronic element, experimenting with synthy beats and otherworldly dips and
dives. The piano also takes a large role on the album, guiding hazy solo
passages or driving poppy verses, while bonus contributions from the banjo,
horns, or even the hammered dulcimer ad another dimension to tunes that might
otherwise lie flat. The vocals are strongly reminiscent to those of Ben Gibbard,
and while that and the electronic bits evoke Death Cab or the Postal Service,
they never do so for very long.
The ridiculously adorable ôDee the Dinosaurö takes a cue from its cutesy name to
tug at the heart with BonzÆ reserved confessions and lovely vocal melodies.
Piano plinks and a trotting banjo line accompany acoustic and electric guitars
that fight one another for the best hook, though itÆs hard to decide who wins as
they both fold seamlessly into the mix. This is a song that could tickle music
critics for its careful layering, and teenagers for its sugariness, all before
exploding into a noisy, foreboding outro. ItÆs the bandÆs willingness to
experiment beyond their clear pop roots that surprises the ear that thought it
had the entire song figured out.
ôChrista McCauliffeÆs Cacophony (Reprise)ö is a smattering of sound with its
driving, hooky verse and a sampling of styles that shift unexpectedly. It begins
as a guitar song, with a soft flute fluttering mysteriously in the background,
before cooing more forcefully to lead into a big band, Latin rhythm interlude
thatÆs gone almost as quickly as it started. But thatÆs not all: the track then
transitions into a creepy, watery synth bridge before alarming with a noisy rock
ænÆ roll jam and then quietly letting way to one of BonzÆ most vulnerable lines.
Having all this going on without the song losing its drive makes it feel both
highly experimental and strongly poppy.
Bonz is a talented solo artist capable of penning great tunes with a voice that
melts hearts, but in collaboration with the Dot Hongs he seems more like a
rockstar. Each track potentially has a section for any type of music fan, and
itÆs refreshing that it all comes from a place slightly off the radar, at least
more so than other NYC boroughs. Come to Sunset Park for the views and delicious
tacos, and stay for the bands it quietly produces.