The album is accompanied by a DVD with a 15 min documentary of the band; “Lead me to the Sea” and the making of the music video for the brilliant “Quiet Overstared” as well as the actual video. The documentary offers the perfect introduction to the relatively new band. Beautifully filmed and edited by Africa Attachment it sheds light on the different members and dynamics of the band.
Lead vocalist Andre's voice is quite fruity and deep for the most part but occasionally breaks into falsetto ooohs and wahoos which contrast pleasantly. The lyrics definitely lean to the more emo side of things quite often sad and dark.
“There's an evil man looking for a fight
Change me and I'll change your heartbeat
Call it quits
Please die.”
One of the most soulful and sad songs “Too Young” which also happens to be the shortest, at a mere 4 lines long is one of my favourites. Which just goes to prove that less is more and often the simplest of songs can be the best.
“I'm too young
To be trapped in nostalgic dreams
Your roll on your two back feet with such ease
Bring me to my knees”.
Another great song to note is the previously released on the Bellville Rock City compilation “Quiet Overstared” which I just can't seem to get tired of hearing. The more upbeat and punky “Gallop” saves the album from being just that bit too mellow while the haunting and catchy “Lia” will say in your head for days.
The album artwork is as dark and somewhat understated as the music. Limited to a simple charcoal black with a few splashes of red and some unassuming pictures of the band by Liam Lynch, the album art captures the mood of the album to a tee.
Bonjour is classy and mature debut album which I hope is just the beginning of the good things coming from the guys of Ashtray Electric.
![[Loeries 2009] Red Huxley triumph at the Loeries 2009 Battle of the Bands](https://biz-file.com/c/0909/37254-300x156.jpg)