Bonjah

A debut album from Bonjah has been promised for a while now, and it seems this will be a reality very soon, the hard working band going the extra mile with the effort of an album preview show to cement the deal. The Northcote Social Club, is one of Melbourne’s more intimate live music venues, housing many great shows in the past, it was a fitting choice for Bonjah’s album preview show, and now I am reflecting on show and thinking about the highlights from the night it’s like looking for gold in a jewellery store, my eyes are all glossed over.

For a sold out gig, you still expect the room to be fairly empty until the main act, this was far from the case on Saturday at Northcote Social Club, with Coby Grant as support act, she had managed to fill the room with enthusiastic music lovers by her third song. Coby has such a gentle genuine spirit that pulsates through her music and allows a unique accessibility and connection to her audience. The Bonjah fans who are now well educated in Coby’s songs, soaked up every minute of her gorgeous melodic voice. She has a familiar Aussie female voice that could easily rival some of our well-loved artists. She is usually accompanied by an array of guest performers as well as two regular girls as her back up vocalists, Sally and Rachel. I have seen Coby around the Melbourne music scene a few times now, as an injustice to myself I have never bought her CD, after tonight’s performance I knew my CD collection was no longer complete without it. As a side note, I can definitely recommend her ‘Acoustic’ CD, as well as a heads up to watch out for her new EP coming soon.

Though it was one of the hottest Melbourne nights so far this season, there are few people who are strong enough to fight the overwhelming urge to funk up the dance floor when the sounds of the soulful five piece, echo through their ears. I had gathered a small crowd of regulars keen to get back into the music. Kicking of the night with old favourites, people wasted no time at all forming the dance circles, complete with palms thrust into the air in the appropriate junctures. Claiming personal connection to lines like “I’ve got to be on my way” the audience at a Bonjah gig are always treated to a musical journey. For some the journey inspires fun carefree dancing, others get to experience inner reflection with the lyrical hooks in their songs.

The night was sprinkled with new songs that still carry the Bonjah vibe, however display a growth and maturity in their development as a band. The new songs we still accessible enough for the audience to enjoy and begin to learn correct chorus lines.

It is so rare to find a group of genuinely organic musicians so attractive inside and outside, and their humble friendly nature transcends to an electric stage presence. I have found in my foray into the live music scene that most bands rely heavily on the lead singer to carry the show and capture the audience, while I certainly believe that Glenn (Mossop) has that intrinsic quality to his sweet voice and leadership, this is a band that truly work together in everything they do. From David (Morgan) who plays his bass as though it is an extension of himself, to James (Majernik) who moves his entire self with every beat of the percussion creation, to Regan (Lethbridge) who seems so intimately connected with his guitar that it rings out in his voice, to finally, Dan (Chisolm) who has such an intensity in his drumming, it is a visual delight to watch.

Capping of the night with a clear crowd favourite, the boys show they haven’t lost their connection to their older music despite probably playing the song well into the four digit numbers by now. The song was My Patience and I was supposed to be making an obligatory ‘gig-call’ to my interstate friend who has been suffering the withdrawal symptoms of a junkie without her fix, however much to my disappointment (and hers later), I noticed I was out of phone battery. I figured here in spirit is nearly as good as here via digital communication, so I kicked up my hands and feet, turned to my gig buddies that were there and danced until the end.

So my final tip - keep an eye on the gig guide, and an ear on Triple J and you may get in early enough to claim knowing them before they went ‘really big time’.

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