Speeding along the M1 on my long drawn out journey from London to a small recording studio in Castleford, West Yorkshire, In order to meet the latest in a long line of “Girls band’s” with high aspirations of making it big in the music industry. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, sceptical of what would make them the next big thing.
My fears were unfounded once I had arrived and was led into a small room, where there were four of the five pieces that make up The Bon Bonz.
Jade, Nathalie, Carrie and Sarah and their producer Paul. Finally the fifth member to complete the line up, Kay arrived and so the interview began. We had a drink and my expectations and opinions changed ten fold. It was easy to see from the offset that these girls had it all, personality, style, looks and a very down to earth attitude and drum roll please… the ability to sing, each and every one of them. This in today’s climate is as rare as a loch Ness monster sighting. I gained enough composure to stop admiring their beauty and ask a few questions:-
1. How did the group come about?
Jade – We were all recording separately at the studio. I saw Kay and Nat and we started chatting about everyday things. Carrie and Sarah knew each other from being in previous competitions together; from there we put our heads together and decided to form Bon Bonz.
2. When the good times start rolling, how do you think this will change you?
Kay – We are all good friends and we have our families and friends to keep us grounded.
Jade – Were just normal lasses
3. What can Bonbonz offer that other girl groups can’t?
Nathalie – Bonzbonz has got its own original, different and varied sound. We are not 5 girls who have been auditioned and given a sound, we have got our own.
Jade – We are 5 different people, with 5 very different personalities. We all bring out the best in each other, we are like a cocktail of fun.
4. Any Celeb Crushes?
Jade – Tyson Beckford, American model been in the film The Fast and The Furious
Natalie – Ashley Banjo from Diversity
Carrie – I prefer a more mature man - Robert Downey Jr
5. Who is the most headstrong amongst the five of you?
Kay – When were rehearsing it’s Sarah, but in general the bossiest by far is Jade.
6. Which is your personal favourite on the album
Kay – Ladyboy
Nathalie – Honey Money
Carrie – Some kind of real
Sarah – Some kind of real
Jade – Ladyboy
Here is a review of just a few tracks from the forthcoming debut Bonbonz album – Sugar Rush
• Ugly, Beautiful: I found this track to be a cross between a ballad and a disco track, main lead vocals by Carrie, gave it a Gabriella Cilmi feel, good sound
• Lady Boy: A catchy chorus to this track, definitely a summer holiday track, you will remember long after your tan has faded
• Creep: An eerie ballad very reminiscent of some early All Saints work, nice feel to it
• Honey Money: This is caught between a ballad and a more up-tempo dance track, not a strong contender, but good album track
• Alone: Jade, sings lead vocals on this one and pull’s it off brilliantly, with no backing music to accompany, the start could almost be mistaken for a Celine Dion hit, definitely the strongest track vocally.
• Ill be there: Another big vocal track, which Sarah really pulls off, if I close my eyes I could imagine being sat in the Grand Ole Opry house in Nashville, Tennessee. Or listening to this as the soundtrack to a Hollywood blockbuster like faith hills track in Pearl Harbour. I would put big money on this track, being a definite chart smash.
In closing my overall view of Sugar Rush is, a good balance of songs, some album tracks, some good release’s and some potential Big, Big hits.
I am sure the Male population will be hooked. On the sugary … Bon Bonz
Nicole
Christine
Laura
