ALBUM REVIEW: Bonafide strip it down to damn fine essentials on Denim Devils

SWEDEN - like all the Scandinavian countries seem to have an excess of bands, pounding out a range of metal and rock genres - and leading the hard rock charge from Malmo are Bonafide, who have just released a stormer of an album in the shape of 'Denim Devils'.

There is always a case for heads down rock 'n' roll fun and Pontus Snibb and his compadrés deliver that in shedloads on the 12 tracks on this OffYerRocka release. Damn  - it's hard not to raise a pint to their efforts.

They take the basic hard rock template and give it additional umph - just listen to 'Get A Grip' and the riff melds into a melodic chorus to die for, and a sweet as a six-string nut measured solo.

Their last release 'Bombo' is a hard act to follow, but somehow they have managed it. All the songs were penned by Snibb, and recorded in bassist Martin Ekelun's own studio.

Snibb echoes our sentiments when he said: "This record has a tougher live vibe and sound than the previous one, as it was recorded almost live in he studio.

"We wanted to get as close to a live show as possible - to capture that magic that happens on stage when everything's coming together."

Throughout that live vibe stays to the fore on the likes of '50/50' and 'One Kiss';  a track Snibb said: "I recall thinking about Foo Fighters meets Weezer when I wrote that song last spring."

That is perhaps to under-estimate a great track; but then again the track prior to that, is Airbourne, DC, and The Answer all wrapped up in four minutes of sheer fun - 'Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle' is a balls to the wall rocker: never mind the clichés, when a song is this much fun it's best to take those clichés and enjoy every second.

But that might suggest that Bonafide are one-dimensional in their take on hard rock. Quite the reverse. From the tender 'Missing You' (which is excellent!) through to the measured 'The Game' and closer 'This Ones for You'.

That song is a tribute to fans, and as every fan who has seen Snibb, Rosell, Ekelund and Matson live will know that they push every fibre of their rock 'n' roll dark hearts into performing for fans.

Bonafide are the sort of band that the mainstream media - and the rock media - tend to ignore in the UK. That's their loss -  because those in the know appreciate that Bonafide are part of a market they'll never understand, while we in the know glory in it. Denim Devils? A damn fine album from a damn fine band.

Review by Jonny

Low down and lovely dirty hard rockin' from Bonafide at the Diamond

WHEN it comes to hard rock you have to put all into it to gain the maximum pleasure - and that applies to whether you're a member of a band, or a member of the audience. And, Bonafide brought it in abundance for a night of sheer hard rockin' pleasure on March 29th at the Diamond Rock Club.

The Swedish band were making a return visit to the Diamond in Ahoghill (Rock City) and they produced a relaxed performance that also managed to maintain maximum commitment to rock at its finest.

Opening for Bonafide were local act Tric, making a return to live performances after a year in hiatus.

Now a four-piece Tric laid down a solid set, with the emphasis on blues tinged hard rock. The influences of DC and even Quo on their songs were neither slavish nor where they simply going through a 12-bar homage. Tric were back to plant a flag for rock.

Bonafide are a mystery band. They should be much more widely known given their songwriting, live performances and set of excellent recorded material. However, most present on March 29th knew the songs well.

Opening with the storming Bombo, Pontus Snibb is an engaging front man, obviously comfortable as the focal point of the band, his vocals and guitar playing a masterclass for those who want to follow the rock path.

While Pontus was the focus it would be a mistake to ignore the tight-knit unit of Bonafide. Bassist Martin Ekelund is the joker in the pack, climbing around the side of the stage and egging the audience on during the likes of Peg Legged Pete.

Niklas Masston's drums stay consistent and add flurries that give the edge to Suburb Baby Blues, which is a tune the audience apparently relate to judging by the number of people singing along.

As aide de camp Mikael Fassberg's guitar playing fills out the sound with solid rhythm, and when the opportunity arises playing some tight and entertaining lead solos.

Bonafide wrapped up with a duo of songs that reflect their ethos and the ethos of fans who are prepared to travel to see low down and lovely dirty hard rockin'.

Fill Yer Head With Rock and Hard Livin' Man were perfect closers, with the band rising up to meet the audience's enthusiasm.

Well-rehearsed and confident on stage Bonafide played it hard and played it well at the Diamond Rock Club - a well spent Saturday night for all present.