In the mist of shuffling around members, signing to Marjodomo Records and getting into a fist fight with Jack White it’s surprising that The Von Bondies found time to record their third full length album Love, Hate and Then There’s You. Despite all of their troubles in the past five years The Von Bondies once again gave it everything they had and produced an enlivening album.

The album begins with so much energy you can’t help but get pumped up for the rest of it. “This Is Our Perfect Crime” is literally an anthem for the underground. It sets the tone of the album perfectly, reinforcing the notion that these Detroit rockers could kick your ass in the streets of the underground, but also break your heart with Stollsteimer's passionately strained voice. “Pale Bride,” the single that was released early on in 2008 shows the softer-side of the Von Bondies that I am glad has not disappeared. Love, Hate is definitely more serious than Pawn Shoppe Heart, it shows the maturity of the band taking their music to the next level. “Only To Haunt You” displays this quality perfectly because like the title suggests it is a haunting song, but in no way depressing because the remarkable energy of the group still stands.

My favorite song on the album is coincidently the shortest song, clocking a whole 1:25. You know a band is talented when they can exhibit the entire persona of their music into a little over a minute. Everything I love about The Von Bondies is in that song: electrifying guitar riffs, the rawness of Stollsteimer’s voice when he sings with all of his breath, and of course the gitchy female vocals that give this band their uniqueness.

I highly recommend this album, even if you are new to The Von Bondies, because they are a fun group who produces raw, genuine music. Every time I put this record on I never want it to end.

Rating: 5 out of 5 dragons




"Pale Bride" Music Video