It was almost two years ago that after a decades long absence, Alcatrazz burst back onto the scene with one of the finest reunion albums of recent memory, Born Innocent. It quickly became a favorite of the year and earned its way into my vinyl collection as well. And then, quickly as everything came together, it all fell apart. Alcatrazz went one way, recording a new album with Doogie White on vocals entitled V. Bonnet went another, returning to his namesake band and releasing an album that he cryptically teased in my August, 2020 interview with him, Day Out in Nowhere.
When initially discussing Day Out in Nowhere, Bonnet said, I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do and that’s have a mixture of songs that aren’t all necessarily hard rock or R&B. It’s just anything good of any genre, well hopefully.” Upon first listen, this is quite an accurate description. Day Out in Nowhere is arguably the deepest and most dynamic album of Bonnet’s 55 year career, executing musical and lyrical ideas that would simply feel out of place on an Alcatrazz album. That isn’t to say this album is without it’s Alcatrazzian moments. Cuts like the powerful “Imposter” and fiery “The Sky is Alive” would fit right in on No Parole from Rock ‘n’ Roll (1983), but if you’re looking for a mere rerun of that classic album, look elsewhere.
On Day Out in Nowhere, Bonnet tackles some rather uncomfortable subjects, standing in stark contrast to the hedonistic vibes of Rainbow’s “All Night Long”, Michael Schenker Group’s “Dancer”, and other feel good rockers that made Bonnet a household name. There’s “Twelve Steps to Heaven”, a brutally honest examination into the quest for sobriety that’s emphasized by emotionally gripping progressive metal. Think a latter day Fates Warning song but with Bonnet’s signature vocals. Another highlight that got everyone talking upon its single release was “Uncle John”, an extremely dark metal song that touches upon the extremely dark subject of pedophilia. The song was based on upon a real life character from Bonnet’s youth. It’s harrowing to think how much abuse occurred during the 40s and 50s (and beyond) that simply wasn’t talked about until now. I commend Bonnet for putting his vulnerabilities on display for art’s sake.
For those that just “wanna party”, fear not. Day Out in Nowhere isn’t all serious business. “David’s Mom” and “When We’re Asleep” take things back to Bonnet’s late 70s/early 80s heyday, tongue in cheek lyrics, carefree attitude, and all. There’s also cuts like “Brave New World” and the title track, which tow the line between metallic power and hook laden hard rock. Although it’s hard to choose a choice cut, my favorite at the moment is probably “It’s Just a Frickin’ Song”, if only for its absurd title alone. It also helps that the track sees Bonnet reuniting with his old Rainbow bandmate Don Airey on keyboards, and sounds like a lost song from Down to Earth (1979) with its soulful, heavy grooves.
Of the three albums released under the Graham Bonnet Band moniker, Day Out in Nowhere is the strongest and most cohesive yet. Bonnet continues to defy the laws of time, sounding energetic as ever and writing music that gets heavier and more intense with age. This speaks volumes in a time when certain rockstars 10 to 15 years Bonnet’s junior limp around the nostalgia circuit, embarrassing themselves with half-assed performances, or worse yet, vocal tracks. Meanwhile, Bonnet himself is turning 75 this year, so listen up classic rock and metal bands. As long as Bonnet continues to be active, age is no excuse for sloppy shows or weak albums! I’ve said my piece!
8 out of 10
Label: Frontiers Records
Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
For fans of: Alcatrazz, Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen