AA Bondy
Although A.A. Bondy just released his first solo album, American Hearts, he’s no stranger to the music business. He fronted the late 90’s grunge-punk trio Verbena, and though they only recorded from 1999 to 2003, they didn’t go unnoticed; their debut album was produced by Dave Grohl, and Bondy was often likened to Kurt Cobain. As a solo artist, his new sound is mature and restrained. Eschewing pop hooks and a big produced sound, he recorded American Hearts in a barn next to his house, and the result is an intimate, earnest and darkly clever album. Alone with a guitar, he’s more compelling now than ever. ALLISON FORD
