Gab Bonesso is a nationally renowned comedian, performer and
comedy writer. Josh Verbanets is an award winning songwriter, singer and
musician. Together this dynamic duo have developed a unique sound for children
of all ages, through the use of original songs which celebrate creativity and
suggest alternatives to negative behaviour. Their new album I’m Not a Bully is an absolute gem
fusing garage punk with pop sensibility and is available now on Fake Chapter (Music is Family) Records.
The opening track “Everybody Clap Hands” is a high-energy
melodic pop song, with soaring melodies and a backing track that would make the
Ramones proud. The message explores the
social challenges facing vulnerable children in unfamiliar situations, such as
the playground or the school bus. Ultimately,
the sentiment is celebratory in tone, with the fear acknowledged and yet
overcome in a union of togetherness and victory.
“Nine O Clock Behind The Jack Rabbit”, opens with a riff
that reminded me a little of Television’s “Marquee Moon”. Again the theme explored here is fear, but
this time in anticipation of a fight in which the singer doesn’t want to be involved. The song is hypnotic and melodic with
uplifting melodies throughout. Here the
inner workings of the mind of a child are explored and in particular the vulnerability
felt from the conflict set to occur at nine o’clock. There is also an interesting contrast between
the sprightly melody, and the darkness of the subject matter. Again the problem is overcome, emphasising how
the creative mind can assist in the elimination of such challenges.
“Door In The Floor” introduces a female voice, and is completely
different in style with the somewhat jazzy vocals on display elaborating on the
threat of rats roaming around the house. This brief departure into American jazz is in
complete contrast to the following track, “I’m Not a Bully” which opens with a
guitar riff that would sit quite happily on a Led Zeppelin album. Here the lyrics are no-nonsense and
uncompromising as the singer chants the declarative statement ‘I’m not a bully’
into a melting microphone.
“I’m A Leader”, again provides a further shift in tone, as
it is noticeably gentler in delivery. The
song encourages children to make the right choices, including telling the
truth, and treating others like you would like to be treated. The music has an interesting kind of jagged
feel, before it really opens up at the end to provide an array of sounds that
really bring home the point. The song revels
in a display of melody, which is both catchy and uplifting for the listener.
“Hurry Up And Get Well” is a gentler ballad with a stunning melody
that I literally had swirling around my head all day. Again the reciprocal vocal technique is used, along
with a string arrangement on the chorus to add a fuller sound, providing
further dynamics. The overall strength
of the song can be measured by its sweet simplicity, allowing the melody to
soar and the clarity of the vocals to really hit the target.
This mini album is well worth a listen. It is highly melodic, with interesting
arrangements, and excellent musicianship. The musical themes on offer are diverse,
engaging and offer advice to young children on how to negotiate a variety of
difficult situations. This really is
music with a message where some of life’s early challenges are tackled head on. The music moves with the message, hard and uncompromising at times, sweet and soulful the next. This is a great album for playing in the car
before dropping the kids off at school, enabling them to absorb the positive
advice on display. For me the ultimate
success of the album is the way in which the songs deal with difficult subject
matter in a fun and engaging way.
Josh and Gab’s I’m Not A Bully - music with a message that
needs to be heard!
