It’s official. Although there were numerous rumors that the band had been dropped from their major label deal and even that they were now defunct, the Von Bondies – albeit an almost completely new lineup of the Von Bondies – will return in early 2008 with a brand-new album for Sire Records entitled Love, Hate and Then There’s You. The album was recorded in multiple cities with multiple producers, including Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club), Peter Katis (Interpol), and hot producer/songwriter du jour Butch Walker (Hot, Hot Heat). According to a Warner Bros. spokeperson, the new album – the band’s first since 2004’s Pawn Shoppe Heart – is very melodic, with lots of guitars, and sounds nothing like the last Sire release (nor the earlier Lack of Communication, for that matter). The music was all written by band leader/singer Jason Stollsteimer, who lost original guitarist Marcie Bolen, bassist Carrie Smith, replacement bassist Yasmine Smith, and his wife during the last four years. The head Von Bondie told Billboard.com: "When we got off touring Pawn Shoppe Heart, we were so exhausted. In my own head, I was like, 'I don't want to ever do it again.' But these three years have revived my energy to do it again.” The current lineup is comprised of Matt Lannoo on guitar; Leann Banks on bass; Alicia Gbur on keyboards; and original member Don Blum on drums. The band is playing a special showcase on Friday, Sept. 7th at the Mercury Lounge in NYC to introduce the new material as well as the current lineup. No word yet on any hometown shows.
Jason Stollsteimer: He feels pretty and witty and bright...
