You know the story about the White Stripes’ Jack White getting arrested after fighting with the Von Bondies’ Jason Stollsteimer in a bar. But that’s old news. The fight gave the Von Bondies invaluable publicity, but if they want to stick around, they have to prove their worth with their music. And they do, with their major label debut, “Pawn Shoppe Heart.”

Much of the album follows the mould of the first single, “C’Mon, C’Mon,” which is to simply pour out thunderous potent tunes. Although Stollsteimer relies on his yells to get his emotions across, he is most convincing in songs like “The Fever,” when he is calmer and a larger vocal range is evident.

“Mairead” is the complete opposite. It’s much slower than the others, but it sees Stollsteimer at his best.

Bassist Carrie Smith takes over the vocals for “Not that Social,” a poppier, friendlier track even though the lyrics sounds almost homicidal (”Breath in, breathe out, I know you’re drowning”).

If you want to see what else Detroit rock scene has to offer besides the Stripes, the Von Bondies is the way to go.

4*
Sire/Reprise


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