The Bonnitts - Soldier (Demo) By Joe Hakim Photos by Darren Rogers - The Bonnitts at The Sesh 13th December 2005

Photograph Gallery   Gallery 1,    Gallery 2,    Gallery 3,    Gallery 4,    Gallery 5.

Well, thank fuck for The Bonnitts. Just when I was starting to think that the Hull music scene was in danger of disappearing up its own arse, along comes this blinder of an EP to totally change my mind. I'm going to rattle on about Soldier for a while, because it is, quite simply, the best thing I've heard in a long time.

It kicks off with a sublime guitar-line, coupled with singer Mike Wright belting out, Wait a minute and just think before you walk out, before launching into an insanely catchy riff that still refuses to leave my head - I might even have to get it surgically removed. I defy anyone not to be blown away by this track. The vocal melody and backing all combine into a tune that you can't help but sing along to. Since receiving this demo, Soldier has not left my stereo. It has single-handedly rekindled my interest in the music coming from Hull, and more importantly it's just a shit-hot piece of music that I can't stop listening to. Simple as.

A special mention must go to the excellent video, which, along with the EP itself, is available for download on MySpace. Directed by Martin Millson, it shows singer Mike struggling to escape from inside a beer bottle (boy, can I relate to that), while the rest of the band escape from empty bags of crisps and beer pumps. It's beautifully simple, yet brilliantly executed. Towards the end of the video, the lads grow to gargantuan proportions, towering above some Hull landmarks - the KC Stadium, The Deep - before stomping about near the Humber Bridge like a set of indie-rock Godzillas. It's not just a video; it's also a visual metaphor of what's in store for this band.

So, fuck all the hype and tiresome posturing that clogs up the airwaves; these boys are the real deal. Tell yer friends, yer mam and yer granny to click onto MySpace and check out both the EP and the video. In fact, everyone who reads this review should head straight there, download the tracks and buy the CD as well.

Fuck it, e-mail MTV2 and the NME while you're at it and spread the word. Let's get this band the attention it deserves. www.thebonnitts.co.uk

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