Why Bonnie
90 In November


3.7
great

Review

by Sunnyvale STAFF
August 25th, 2022 | 13 replies


Release Date: 2022 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Texas by way of NYC

The Bandcamp blurb for Why Bonnie’s debut LP, 90 In November, focuses largely on its inspiration through singer and songwriter Blair Howerton’s pandemic experiences after moving to New York City and her longing for the endless horizon of her native Texas. It’s a fitting introduction to this album, not only because you can feel the nostalgia which seeps through these tunes, but also because the contrast between a densely populated metropolis and the sprawling countryside of a vast state echoes the rather diverse musical influences at play here.

Indeed, the record’s sound eschews easy classification, with Why Bonnie’s identification with dream pop meeting with a number of other strands. Opening track “Sailor Mouth” might begin with the shriek of electric guitar, but its heart is homespun and country-ish, with Howerton’s vocals calling to mind Lucinda Williams’, something which can also be said about its wistful follow-up, “Galveston”. Later tracks take detours, like the vintage slowcore sound of “Silsbee” and the punk-ish energy of “Lot’s Wife”. After the gentle closer “Superhero” closes things out, it’s quite clear that 90 In November is a sonically varied release which should broadly appeal to audiences across the indie music spectrum.

There are a plethora of positives to cite in regards to this album. For a debut, it’s confident and consistent, moving fluidly through a range of styles and executing it all convincingly, while also conveying a sense of emotion. The biggest gripe is that while the album taken together flows nicely and remains engaging, there also aren’t any tunes which make for proper stunners in their own right. That’s ok for now, though. 90 In November should set the stage for Why Bonnie to gain a wider platform, and deservedly so.



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Comments:Add a Comment 
Sunnyvale
Staff Reviewer
August 25th 2022


6201 Comments

Album Rating: 3.7

Quick little writeup for a nice little album.



This isn't mindblowing but it's a promising start for the band and feels like something many on Sputnik would like.

neekafat
Staff Reviewer
August 27th 2022


26758 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

for budge i will cheq

beansbeans
August 28th 2022


2 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

The title track is definitely the highlight of the album, with the rest of the album slightly wallpapered. Other than that the lead singer's songwriting is just okay.

someone
Contributing Reviewer
August 28th 2022


6992 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0 | Sound Off

i liked quite the chunk of this, but not a lot here really strikes as noteworthy

klap
Emeritus
August 31st 2022


12410 Comments


the Voice Box single from 2020 is a banger, so jazzed to hear this

budgie
May 2nd 2024


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

wait when tf did why bonnie get a review

budgie
May 2nd 2024


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

anyway new single is nice

neekafat
Staff Reviewer
May 2nd 2024


26758 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

"wait when tf did why bonnie get a review"

August 25th, 2022

budgie
May 19th 2024


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

in water ep so underrated

budgie
June 17th 2024


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

anyway new single is nice its like 2 hours old

budgie
June 17th 2024


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

oh cool and new LP in august very cool very cool

budgie
June 17th 2024


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

oh cool she says in the lil interview blurb this upcoming wont be as country so hopefully itll be as good as their EPs

budgie
June 17th 2024


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

guess thats a problem you have when so many dream pop bands come outta texas



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