Bond - Play

After a seven-year hiatus from their last studio album, string quartet Bond is back with a new record that will leave old fans satisfied as well as attract a new tide of new listeners. Tania Davis (now in charge of first violin), Eos Chater (second violin), Gay-Yee Westerhoff (cello) and new member Elspeth Hanson (viola) prove why they are the best-selling crossover string quartet in the planet. They are all outstanding musicians trained in the classical field and they also bring in the music that they like listening to: pop, rock, world, filmscore, folk and many more music styles. This new record comes at a very special moment in Bond's career. Not only it is their comeback after a long pause, but it also marks their 10th anniversary, a fact that shows that they are not a one-hit wonder.
The album features the usual dose of well-known melodies accompanied by drum loops and synthesizers that has become a trademark of the group. The first single, Diablo, is a typical Bond tune, featuring some passages sung by Eos. This song is destined to become a big hit. It's catchy as Victory or Fuego, and yet it adds a new twist to it, with the lyrics and overall melody. Its video is kind of dark, different from the usual lively and colorful videos shot in warm countries that we are used to. In fact, this one was shot at a warehouse in Britain during wintertime and it is all in black and white. Their playing skills are at their best, and Diablo will surely be featured on every setlist from now on.
The covers that we can find on the record are Jai Ho, from the Slumdog Millonaire soundtrack, Pump it (a version of the song Miserlou by Dick Dale and His Del Tones, opening song to the film Pulp Fiction, and also covered by the Black Eyed Peas, hence the name), and Last Time, a version of Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve. There is also an accurate upbeat rendition of Vivaldi's Summer and Winter from the Four Seasons which was featured on Peugeot's promotion campaign for their 308CC automobile. The Asian version of the album features a medley of Lady Gaga's hits that will delight everybody's ears.
Nevertheless, not all the tracks are covers. There are some original compositions as well. The girls were deeply involved in the writing of this album. Road to Samarkand, Beetroot and West with the Night are all composed by the band members, who also made the arrangements to Vivaldi's Winter and Summer.
Regarding influences, it can be said that this album is more diverse than their previous efforts. Along with the film tracks, and classical compositions, there is also room for some eastern influences, as it can be heard on Road to Samarkand, Latin American arrangements on Apasionada and a Russian touch on Beetroot. This means that Bond have decided to continue exploring the possibilities that music offers them, blending all kinds of styles with classical. This is how Bond became famous, and it is good to know that they keep expanding their horizons.
There are some deja vus on this record. The band have included a reworked version of their hit Victory, which was featured on their debut album. This is their 10-year anniversary and that song was their breakthrough, so what can be better than bringing it back from the past? Longtime fans will also remember that the song Viva, appearing on the first album as well, is based on Vivaldi's Winter, thus it is a bit strange why they chose to include the same piece by the Italian composer in Play and not another one. Nevertheless, one should not complain, as they deliver a flawless version of the masterpiece and it is always a pleasure to hear these girls show off their playing skills.
As it can be seen, despite the time that went by between their previous album and this one, Bond sound stronger than ever. Their influences have broadened and their sound remains impeccable. Play will not let all-time fans down and it will attract a whole new wave of listeners. Bond have proved that they were no fad but they are here to stay. Viva Bond!

Rating: 8/10

First single: Diablo

Unmissable song: Victory (with André Rieu)

(Pictures taken from Bond's Official Website)