Singer/songwriter A.A. Bondy made a nice introduction in 2007 with American Hearts, which was re-released the following year on Fat Possum, and in 2009 he followed that up by widening his sound (and recruiting a band) for When The Devil’s Loose (QRO review), but Bondy was still just another alt-folkster in an overstuffed genre, albeit one its new leading lights. With Believers, Bondy adds depth to make himself more stand out from the crowd.
Single/opener “The Heart Is Willing” well sets the stage for Believers, as it’s a darker piece, but not ‘dark’, as there is also a wry undercurrent – as well as a slight indietronica element. “Heart” and the somber, chilling “Skull & Bones” are the best at conveying a more advanced A.A., but there is also the downbeat with beauty “Hiway/Fevers”, heavier in tone “The Twist”, loss-twang “Rte. 28/Believers”, touchingly stripped “DRMZ”, and more.
The subdued nature of alt-folk meant it took a while for the style to grab popular attention, but it has. That same nature, plus the plethora of artists in the genre, would seem to make it hard for one of them to break out, but some have – just look at Bon Iver (QRO album review). Hopefully with Believers A.A. Bondy is at least getting closer to the big stage.
