“At the helm of Why Bonnie, Blair Howerton writes glossy, synth- and string-inflected guitar-pop songs that fit a mighty, beating heart underneath all the gleaming hooks.”
– NPR Music
“‘Voice Box’ is hazy and swooning, a gorgeous introduction to Why Bonnie’s new era that’s equal parts gauzy and fried.” – Stereogum
“…dreamy and immediate rock songs in the style of, say, Alvvays or TOPS, are arresting because of this constant push-pull; each track is like a Sisyphean walk towards dream-pop heaven” – The FADER
Ahead of the release of their new EP, Voice Box, out April 10th via Fat Possum, Austin-based band Why Bonnie share a new single/video, “Athlete.” Following the recently-released title track, Breeders-inspired “Athlete” endeavors self-doubt in a blistering metaphor of failed sportsmanship. Over loud, anthemic guitar and crashing percussion, frontwoman Blair Howerton sings “about the frustration of not being able to keep up with the ‘team’ and learning to laugh when you fumble.“
Its accompanying video, directed by Alex Winker, is essentially a charming, fun day for the band filmed on VHS. “‘Athlete’ is the most ‘rock and roll’ track on the EP so we wanted to make a video that embodied that, but also felt like casual, day-in-the-life footage,” says the band. “Kind of like watching a home movie that you found in a box in your parents’ attic, but instead of you as a three-year old on the soccer field, you’re a grown adult with about the same skill level.”
Watch Why Bonnie’s Video for “Athlete”
https://youtu.be/2wUq5HiJ7e8
The Voice Box EP follows 2018’s In Water EP, which eulogized Howerton’s older brother, who passed away years prior. Follow-up Nightgown expanded the effort, pulling lush Mazzy Star and Cranberries influences. Voice Box celebrates unhindered expression through beguiling, propulsive guitar pop. Fuzzed-out guitars and crystalline vocals drive a tough-edged struggle in the space between suppression and artistic liberty. Howerton explains: “It encapsulates a disconnect between my inner and outer world, and not being able to express myself authentically because of that. But, ultimately knowing I will crash and burn if I don’t.”
Why Bonnie is the dazzling, full-band emotional release of Howerton. In a decisive step to start performing her backlogged material, Howerton moved back home to Texas after graduating college in 2015. In Austin, Howerton joined lifelong best friend Kendall Powell, who she met in preschool. Powell’s classical piano chops swapped to synth for the new project. Both active in the Austin scene, guitarist Sam Houdek and bassist Chance Williams later joined to complete the lineup.
Watch the Video for “Voice Box”
https://youtu.be/Ptt9ZEne38Q
Pre-order Voice Box EP
WhyBonnie.lnk.to/VoiceBoxEP
Keep your mind open.
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