Pawn Shoppe Heart

And they said that rock was dead.

They’ve actually been saying it for over 30 years now. I’m not sure what exactly people mean when they say that, but I’m guessing it has more to do with the death of an attitude and/or style than the music itself. And I am aware that some will say that it “will never be as good as it once was," but it is nice to see that some bands haven’t let these statements detract them.

Case in point: The Von Bondies. The quartet that proudly calls The Motor City its home has delivered a potent dose of post-punk, pop infused rock ‘n’ roll with their major label debut Pawn Shoppe Heart. Released back in March, the CD contains 12 (actually 13 if you count the hidden track) of the most exciting tracks that have been served up in quite awhile.

Pawn Shoppe Heart opens with the pumping “No Regrets,” an instantly contagious track that establishes right away that The Von Bondies have come to rock. Guitarist/Vocalist Jason Stollsteimer sings in a voice one part Ian Astbury, one part Glenn Danzig and always seems vital and invested. The backing vocals by bassist Carrie Smith and rhythm guitarist Marcie Bolan blend perfectly, adding a unique flavor to the band’s sound. Other high-lights include the single “Come on Come on,” “Been Swank,” the melodic “Mareed,” “Not that Social,” “The Fever,” and the raucous title cut. All of the tracks on Pawn Shoppe Heart are keepers though, and it is good to see an album that doesn't contain any filler.

The Von Bondies, for the most part, deliver the goods live as well. I caught them back in May at the “Legendary” Stone Pony in Asbury Park and was amazed. The band was full of energy and served up tight versions of the songs off of PSH as well as their first release Lack of Communication. And if they bothered to look at the crowd at all during their set, they’d be a live act with few peers.

Nit-picking the live show aside, it is good to say that The Von Bondies are one band that proves that rock is very much alive.