Why Bonnie – 7th Level Music

Review: Why Bonnie – Voice Box

Austin’s Why Bonnie have put out an EP that sounds like it could’ve been recorded this year or in the early 1990’s when bands were still experimenting with different ways to produce loud yet atmospheric sound instead of just blasting guitars and yelling lyrics about being angry at their fathers. Why Bonnie’s Voice Box is lush, a bit smoky, and intriguing, and the influence of Austin’s psychedelic music scene is evident at the edges.

The opening guitars of “Bury Me” reflect that Austin sound as singer / guitarist Blair Howerton sings about wishing her ex could bury her (metaphorically, that is) and the past and move on from something that was never going to work out in the first place. My favorite line in the song is “I based too much of my happiness on the site of your face.” Not “sight of your face,” but rather “site of your face” according to the EP’s lyric sheet. Howerton realizes se wasn’t so much dependent on her lover’s looks, but rather on her lover just being there – as normal a sight as a lamp or the refrigerator.

The title track has Howerton singing a lovely song about controlling her rage (“I don’t wanna yell. Take my voice box out. I can’t control myself.”). The growling bass of “Athlete” begins the great swagger of the tune pushed along by the drum beat. Howerton admits she can’t keep up with her lover, who doesn’t even want her on their team.

The guitars of “Jet Plane” sound a bit like a music box as Howerton sings about wishing her lover would stay behind but also knowing she can’t hold them in place forever. The rhythm of “No Caves” is intoxicating, and its lyrics about Howerton thinking of a lost lover while she performs at a gig are revealing and witty.

Howerton is a skilled songwriter and singer, and her band pack a strong punch behind her. Voice Box is one of the more intriguing EP’s of 2020 so far.

Keep your mind open.

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Why Bonnie release “Athlete” from EP due April 10th.

“At the helm of Why Bonnie, Blair Howerton writes glossy, synth- and string-inflected guitar-pop songs that fit a mighty, beating heart underneath all the gleaming hooks.”
– NPR Music

“‘Voice Box’ is hazy and swooning, a gorgeous introduction to Why Bonnie’s new era that’s equal parts gauzy and fried.” – Stereogum

“…dreamy and immediate rock songs in the style of, say, Alvvays or TOPS, are arresting because of this constant push-pull; each track is like a Sisyphean walk towards dream-pop heaven” – The FADER

Ahead of the release of their new EP, Voice Box, out April 10th via Fat Possum, Austin-based band Why Bonnie share a new single/video, “Athlete.” Following the recently-released title track, Breeders-inspired “Athlete” endeavors self-doubt in a blistering metaphor of failed sportsmanship. Over loud, anthemic guitar and crashing percussion, frontwoman Blair Howerton sings “about the frustration of not being able to keep up with the ‘team’ and learning to laugh when you fumble.“

Its accompanying video, directed by Alex Winker, is essentially a charming, fun day for the band filmed on VHS. “‘Athlete’ is the most ‘rock and roll’ track on the EP so we wanted to make a video that embodied that, but also felt like casual, day-in-the-life footage,” says the band. “Kind of like watching a home movie that you found in a box in your parents’ attic, but instead of you as a three-year old on the soccer field, you’re a grown adult with about the same skill level.”

Watch Why Bonnie’s Video for “Athlete”
https://youtu.be/2wUq5HiJ7e8

The Voice Box EP follows 2018’s In Water EP, which eulogized Howerton’s older brother, who passed away years prior. Follow-up Nightgown expanded the effort, pulling lush Mazzy Star and Cranberries influences. Voice Box celebrates unhindered expression through beguiling, propulsive guitar pop. Fuzzed-out guitars and crystalline vocals drive a tough-edged struggle in the space between suppression and artistic liberty. Howerton explains: “It encapsulates a disconnect between my inner and outer world, and not being able to express myself authentically because of that. But, ultimately knowing I will crash and burn if I don’t.”

Why Bonnie is the dazzling, full-band emotional release of Howerton. In a decisive step to start performing her backlogged material, Howerton moved back home to Texas after graduating college in 2015. In Austin, Howerton joined lifelong best friend Kendall Powell, who she met in preschool. Powell’s classical piano chops swapped to synth for the new project. Both active in the Austin scene, guitarist Sam Houdek and bassist Chance Williams later joined to complete the lineup.
Watch the Video for “Voice Box”
https://youtu.be/Ptt9ZEne38Q

Pre-order Voice Box EP
WhyBonnie.lnk.to/VoiceBoxEP

Keep your mind open.

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Why Bonnie release title track from upcoming EP – “Voice Box.”

Austin-based band Why Bonnie announces their new EP, Voice Box, out April 10th on Fat Possum. Via The FADER, they have premiered its title track and an accompanying video.
“Voice Box” fumes with quiet wisdom, and is “about the societal pressure to silence yourself, and the frustration and self doubt that comes with battling sexism,” says the band. Its video, directed by Shelby Bohannon, features the band and highlights the rift between reality and what is expected of a person.

Watch the Video for “Voice Box”
https://youtu.be/Ptt9ZEne38Q

The Voice Box EP celebrates unhindered expression through beguiling, propulsive guitar pop. Fuzzed-out guitars and crystalline vocals drive a tough-edged struggle in the space between suppression and artistic liberty. Front woman Blair Howerton explains: “It encapsulates a disconnect between my inner and outer world, and not being able to express myself authentically because of that. But, ultimately knowing I will crash and burn if I don’t.”

Why Bonnie is the dazzling, full-band emotional release of Howerton. In a decisive step to start performing her backlogged material, Howerton moved back home to Texas after graduating college in 2015. In Austin, Howerton joined lifelong best friend Kendall Powell, who she met in preschool. Powell’s classical piano chops swapped to synth for the new project. Both active in the Austin scene, guitarist Sam Houdek and bassist Chance Williams later joined to complete the lineup.

In 2018, the band emerged on petite indie outlet Sports Day Records with In Water. The EP eulogized Howerton’s older brother, who passed away years prior. Follow-up Nightgown expanded the effort, pulling lush Mazzy Star and Cranberries influences.

This spring, Why Bonnie will tour in support of Voice Box, including SXSW and dates with Squirrel Flower and Kevin Krauter. A full list of dates can be found below and tickets are on sale now.

Pre-order Voice Box EP
WhyBonnie.lnk.to/VoiceBoxEP

Voice Box EP Tracklist
1. Bury Me
2. Voice Box
3. Athlete
4. Jetplane
5. No Caves

Why Bonnie Tour Dates
Wed. March 18 – Austin, TX @ Beerland (High Road Touring Showcase)
Sat. March 21 – Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas (Burgermania)
Mon. March 23 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge *
Wed. March 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo *
Thu. March 26 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill *
Sat. March 28 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza *
Sun. March 29 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge *
Tue. March 31 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court *
Thu. April 2 – Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge *
Fri. April 3 – Omaha, NE @ (drips)
Sat. April 4 – Iowa City, IA @ Mission Creek Festival
Mon. April 6 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry *
Tue. April 7 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas *
Wed. April 8 – Cleveland, OH @ Mahall’s *
Fri. April 10 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere
Mon. April 13 – Asheville, NC @ The Mothlight
Tue. April 14 – Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry’s
Thu. April 16 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs)
Fri. April 17 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk Indoors
Sat. April 18 – Dallas, TX @ Ruins
Tue. April 21 – Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop Bar
Wed. April 22 – Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR Pub
Thu. April 23 – Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary #
Fri. April 24 – Toronto, CA @ Baby G #
Sat. April 25 – Montreal, QC @ Brasserie #
Mon. April 27 – Allston, ,MA @ O’Brien’s Pub
Tue. April 28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle #
Wed. April 29 – Washington, DC @ Pie Shop #
Thu. April 30 – Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall #
Fri. May 1 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle (Back Room) #
Sat. May 2 – Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn #
Sun. May 3 – Nashville, TN @ DKRMTTR #

* = w/ Squirrel Flower
# -w/ Kevin Krauter

Keep your mind open.

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