Don Bonn ADD

Review

Review: Don Bonn - A Voice To Sing EP

07/18/2014

This EP is a valuable addition to your music collection

After winning the world cup last Sunday, Germany is very present in the media around the globe. It is thus perfect timing for a German artist to add his voice to the music of the planet, although the publication of A Voice To Sing has most likely nothing to do with soccer. Rather, the EP it is the outcome of more than one year of diligent work by Achim Rhinow aka Don Bonn. The singer, songwriter and sound engineer from the German city of – guess what? – Bonn presents his first non-single release since his debut-album Meine Sachen in 2008. While he was singing almost exclusively in German at that time, the present creation is clearly aiming at a wider audience, using a crisp and well-pronounced English to bring his message across.

The production of the music was laid in the most capable hands of Martin Knoppke (Freetime Records), with live instrumentals chipped in by Mista Martin and Don Bonn himself. Two riddim tracks (Propaganda and Stronger Than You) were contributed by Guido Craveiro and have so far only been released on Dactah Chando's album Clara. But back to Germany.

In the title track, we learn a lot about the artist. For instance that he definitely knows how he wants his songs to sound – bass line and background chorus (Beate Kirsch) are so on point here, as is his vocal delivery! Or that he has a sweet little daughter and that he's living his life for her. This really makes me wish that the voice he has been given to sing will meet as many ears given to hear as possible…

Propaganda is another well-produced Roots-Reggae-Riddim, but it gives us nothing new music-wise. The lyrics however are very up-to-date: criticizing the partial western media, it's a great achievement to remind people of their capability and obligation to think for themselves!

With a wicked brass section, the following song brings a Big-Band-Feel to your living room (or wherever you may listen to it). What I Miss is not only a sweet lover's tune, it also gives Don Bonn the opportunity to let his voice unfold its full potential – best in the lower ranges, if you ask me. Goosebumps! Given the fact that this is a genuine creation from his formative years' band One Tribe that has been re-recorded for this release, it's no wonder that it seems to be its most organic fusion of music and melodic vocals.

In Poor People, the singer addresses a serious topic once more: the injustice of the uneven distribution of our world's riches. The subsequent Stronger Than You includes some extremely interesting dubsteppish elements that will make you listen intently. Good thing, because the lyrics of this song are actually the wisest of the whole EP and those which – if heeded by the listeners – might really make a change. Don't let your life be controlled by anger and hate is the basic message here, and I couldn't agree more.

A Voice To Sing might not be played at alcohol-drenched summer parties in full fling by now. Made for conscious ears, this EP is a valuable addition to your music collection and makes us hope for more Don Bonn in the very near future!