Coming Out Swinging

By Lizz Kannenberg in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 10, 2008 7:40PM

Detroit's Von Bondies are scrappy, dirty, exuberant, and spirited. They're everything you could want from a choppy guitar group that's so obviously channeling Motor City predecessors like the MC5 the Stooges. Their uncompromising punk ethos and dynamic, expressive live performances endeared them to can-do-no-wrong rock god Jack White in the late '90s, resulting in a hyper-attentive love affair that landed White in the producer's chair for the Bondies' 2001 debut, Lack of Communication, and the fledgling fivesome on the White Stripes' 2002 European tour. Like many warped-speed relationships, this one too was headed for a bizarre, violently dramatic end when White beat the ever-loving shit out of Von Bondies frontman Jason Stollsteimer in a scrap at a Detroit club. Unfortunately for Stollsteimer and company, the younger band never quite stepped out of the shadow of their association with rock's crowned prince of the garage band sound they share, despite past critical acclaim and a strong, sincere fan base. They're no doubt looking to change that with this winter's 37-date U.S. tour, a new EP, and a forthcoming full-length album. Here's hoping 2008 sees the Bondies finally landing a punch in the battle for recognition on the slow-moving-drain scene of punkish indie rock.

The Von Bondies play the Abbey Pub tomorrow night with SSM and Freer, 9:00 p.m., $12 advance/$15 day of.

Image via the band's MySpace page