The first thing the listener will notice when listening to ‘Age of Monsters’ are the layers of music involved. A lot of time and effort has gone into this record and the band alongside producer Michael Mormecha have crafted together a bombastic sonic experience that hits the listener straight between the ears.
Extra guitars and keyboards are all included in the mix, as is some DIY percussion courtesy of a butane cylinder. Having said that, The Bonnevilles have not lost their edge at all. The music is as raw and throbbing as ever.
Andy McGibbon’s lyrics have lost none of their bite either. ‘Age of Monsters’ might just be the most politically charged work the band has produced yet. Ranging from the slow blues of ‘Not a Penny for The Earl’, ‘Servant to Jesus’ and the title track itself, McGibbon’s lyrics take a hard look at the social and political situation in the North of Ireland, the Middle East and beyond.
There’s still plenty of fun on the record too. Just listen to the thrashing sound of ‘Two Big Fizzies’ to hear drummer Christopher McMullan letting rip alongside McGibbon’s frantic guitar playing. The tongue and cheek ‘The Bais’ with its sexy riff is an instant ear worm while a cover version of ‘Parchman Farm’ breathes new life into the Bukka White classic.
Rounding out the album the country blues of ‘Guillotines’, hints at the Appalachian roots that inspire the band and might even hint at a possible semi-acoustic album in the future?
‘Age of Monsters’ is a fine example of a band who are maturing lyrically and musically while retaining their and fire and ability to bite.