It’s a breath of fresh air is this, the last couple of weeks has been a barrage of Proper Metal albums. But this, has got a bit of something. I know little about Bonrud, suffice to say I’m told Paul Bonrud wrote the tunes and played all the guitars. 

“Leap of Faith” opens the album and has that “cruising the strip, top down…” kind of feel. The chorus is an instant hook, a theme that carries on throughout the whole CD. There are quite a few instantly memorable, sing along choruses, which is encouraging. The opening track has a very 80’s sound, which is no bad thing, it sounds fresh and reminiscent of a band called The Outfield (remember them?). Track 2 “The Phoenix” is more of a stomper, a darker riff coupled with some good vocals. 

 The quality of the songwriting is a feature of the album, well written lyrics and some tasty guitar playing make this a very listenable collection of songs, however, I’m struggling with the production. It might be me but the album sounds weak, the guitars have no bite. These are good songs and could be great songs they just need a bit of a pep up. The guitar playing throughout is superb and has a very Neal Schon quality but needs to cut through a little more for me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Bonrud set out to make a “guitar” album, but at times it sounds a little flat, empty almost. 

There’s a good mix of tempo, “I’ve Changed”, “Give Me A Chance” and “Date With Destiny” keep it up there and “Take Me Home” is more ballady, with the potential to be quite Journey sounding, a track that could maybe have used a smattering of keyboard. It may have been a conscious decision to not use keyboards on the album, but a lot of the tunes would have a very Bon Jovi-ish quality, which I mean as a compliment. 

The stand out track is “Live Your Dreams” with “Look Me In The Eyes” a close second, “Live…” is the meandering acoustic number, in fact utter perfection. Building steadily to a stunner of a guitar solo it has the potential to be a classic. “Look Me…” is the rocker, big riff and great drum line. 

This album has some great things going for it. Good performances, potentially great songs. I’d like to hear it remixed with a bit more balls to fill the sound out, but that’s my personal preference. Don’t get me wrong this is a good, good album and definitely worth listening to,

Let us know your views on 'Bonrud'

Track List

Leap Of Faith
The Phoenix
Desperate Heart
I've Changed
Give Me A Chance
Take Me Home
Date With Destiny
Once In A Lifetime
Live Your Dreams
Look Me In The Eyes
Hollywood Movie Star

Line Up

Paul Bonrud - Guitars/keyboards/Bass
David Hendricks - Vocals
Paul Higgins - Drums