In 2006 there were some lads, led by Pontus Snibb, in Malmö, Sweden that decided to start a band. A real band, so the name BONAFIDE was found to be very apt. the fact that within a year they were opening for bands like DEEP PURPLE, STATUS QUO and QUIREBOYS gives you an inkling that they hit the ground running. Oh, and if some of the names on this line-up seem familiar, that could be because three of the four members are also in the outstanding Swedish rock band MUSTASCH. Only guitar player Anders Rosell isn’t part of that ensemble. Since then BONAFIDE have released six full length albums and one EP. Now it is time for their seventh and latest venture, aptly named “Are You Listening”. It is the first one with new record label BLACK LODGE/SOUND POLLUTION, and it is really just a continuation of their very familiar style.

If you don’t know BONAFIDE, the best way to describe them is a Melodic Rock version of AC/DC. Some of the riffs and breaks could have easily come out of the strings of the Young brothers, but with a very Melodic singer it makes the difference very distinguishable. At times the sound and atmosphere sometimes even drift off towards early DOKKEN or even CINDERELLA, but never as cheap and cheesy as the latter. All this put together makes that “Are You Listening” is a very easy album to listen to and enjoy. That is only enhanced due to the fact that all the songs on the album have quality, body and spunk. And of course the sound being very open, transparent and bloody perfect also helps.

Best song on the album for me is “Who’s The Boss?”. What a bloody fast rocker. The intro reminds me of RIOT as they were on their best album ever, “Fire Down Under”. What I also like is the fact that on “Snacket” they sing in their native language. It all fits like a glove. But let me tell you that this should not withhold you in any way or form to go and see BONAFIDE live. They are a really good band on stage and know how to wow an audience with their music. The fact that they never recorded and released a bad album so far is a compliment that need to get, as “Are You Listening” is once again proof that BONAFIDE is a very good band with a long shelf life. Still, these guys are never going to achieve world dominance. And that is purely due to the fact that they will constantly remind you of their peers AC/DC. But then again, is that criticism or praise? I’ll let you be the judge for yourself. I know my answer.