Band Review: Bongley Dead

I don't have a lot of information about Bongley Dead. I found them not through the usual process of being followed on Twitter - I don't think they are on Twitter - but by a sound file left in a comment on a blog post. Well, I don't mind unconventional approaches.

I have only found one web page at all affiliated with them, and even for that page the browsing could be a bit more convenient. It is still the source of a generous amount of good music.

There is a demo from 2012, Album 1 from 2013, and Album 2 with no date, for twenty-five tracks in all that are solid listening.

The band name and the descriptions of the band members' jobs make it seem like the music should be more geared toward horror. Marcello is responsible for evil, as well as vox and guitars, and that makes the "solver" by drummer Simone's name, and even "secretary" by bass player Federico, seem more ominous. However, the music is more traditionally rock than you might expect.

There is a kind of '90s alternative feel. The recording quality is more crisp than muddy, with more of a focus on guitars. At times I was reminded of Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, and even a little bit of the BoDeans on "The Edo Song". Bongley Dead establishes good grooves.

To really get an idea of their guitar skills, the best tracks to listen to are probably "Is It My Feet" and "Wasteland". Good tracks in general include "Wild Black Comedy", "Chained Monkeys", "The Way U Love Me" (not at all like the Paula Abdul song, which is fine), "Little Shine", and "A Better Daybreak".

I wouldn't mind seeing a stronger web presence for the band, helping them reach fans more effectively, but they have put good music out onto the internet, and I can't complain about that.

http://www.bongleydead.com/