SINGLE REVIEW: Bonk! – Wave

every aspect of ‘Wave’ feels packed with charm and character. It’s the perfect sort of antidote to the January blues

Firstly, Bonk! is one of the finest band names I’ve come across in a while. How can you not at least be intrigued by a band with a name like that?

Bonk! are a north-west England based rock quartet with heavy funk and psychedelic influences. Already developing something of a reputation for their buzzing live performances, having headlined the Boot Music Christmas Party last month, the hype makes it very easy to get excited about this act, and that’s before even listening to a second of their music.

Thankfully, the music more than meets these expectations. Their debut single, ‘Nepotism’, is a delightfully fun number, with a devilishly catchy main hook, and some wonderfully vibrant and intricate musicianship that begs you to get up and dance. All of this continues to shine in their upcoming second single, ‘Wave’.

This is a brilliantly whimsical take on a classic boy-meets-girl story, with a focus on the humorous awkwardness of it all that often gets left out of the tale. Everything about the track is fantastically energetic, from the electrifyingly complex drum patterns, to the playful, bounding bass lines that weave slapped passages into the mix. There’s even a bicycle bell in there, yet nothing feels overly chaotic; there’s a little madness, certainly, but it’s well-executed madness.

It’s a simple enough track on its surface, with fun, surf-rock tinged choruses and a deeply infectious whistling hook. The lead vocal melody is delightfully executed, with a fun and frustrated delivery of the charming lyricism (‘Why must I wave?/Why can’t I just say ‘hi’?’). However, it’s the psychedelic and funk undertones of the whole affair that elevate it to a whole new level, keeping it evolving throughout, launching into a superb instrumental climax. As a result, the track sounds exactly like the social awkwardness it sings of, trying to stay cool yet stumbling over oneself with excited nervousness.

It’s hard not to love this track. There is something so wonderfully human and effervescently charismatic about Bonk!’s musicianship that ensures every aspect of ‘Wave’ feels packed with charm and character. It’s the perfect sort of antidote to the January blues, and promises to be stuck in your head for quite some time yet.

You can listen to Bonk!’s new track ‘Wave’ on streaming services on 12/01/24. You can presave the track on Spotify here.

For Fans Of: Thank You Scientist, Jools, The Dear Hunter, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, nightlife

Featured photo credit belongs to @teperishnye.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify // Twitter