There is a celebration of thanks that happens in late November each year. It is a time for family and friends as well as the recognition of a bountiful harvest. This year there is another reason to celebrate – BingBong is releasing a new studio album!!! Hip Eponymous follows on the heels of 2021’s Live at the Dojo and their 2018 debut, Pop Restoration. Reportedly, the new release was two years in the making which reveals the growth in their sound and is evident with the addition of angelic Bangles-like vocals starting with the jangle pop opener, “Let’s Run Away.” This new batch of engaging mid-tempo songs also includes a couple of numbers where an acoustic guitar sets the song’s tone as in “Wait For Me” and “The Time You Wasted.” And as not to lead you astray that this is a mellow affair, there are rockers such as the adrenaline-fueled “Phenomenon And On,” which I’m predicting will raise the heart rate of throngs of dancers at their live performances. The hypnotic groove of “I Am You” is one song that continues to capture my attention with each listening. Lest I forget, the 2024 Madison Area Music Association’s Song of the Year – “Clear Blue Sky” is also included on the album. Additionally, a welcome surprise for me was the cover of a nearly 35 year-old song by Madison music icons, Spooner. BingBong’s version of “Mean Old World” spins us back to another time with its familiarity while also making us realize that, maybe, not much has changed in the interim years. But let’s not overthink it. It’s only rock and roll and we like it.
The album release party for Hip Eponymous is at The Bur Oak on Thursday, November 21 @ 7 pm. BingBong with The Also-Rans and Son of Janus.

Kirk Swenson

Host of VINYL / not vinyl

Saturdays at 2 pm on 98.7 WVMO