Why Bonnie - “Sailor Mouth”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail, Big Thief

After a trio of EPs that allowed Why Bonnie to figure out their dreamy, alt-country sound, the Austin band shared their excellent debut full-length 90 In November last summer. Blending sparse alt-country with indie rock layers that lean into shoegaze territory, Why Bonnie keep a quiet core to build around. It allows them to match the emotionality of their lyrics with equal swells of instrumentation, giving dynamic range to an otherwise contemplative sound. While subtle, the whole of 90 In November is a stirring listen, carefully crafted and making melancholy folk-rock interesting in simple and effective ways. While Why Bonnie has been building both a local and wider following this past half-decade, they’ve has taken another big step in their evolution this last year. It makes SXSW 2023 a perfect time to catch Why Bonnie at The 13th Floor Wednesday night for Keeled Scales. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: Why Bonnie has added some natural, alt-country atmosphere since debuting in 2018 with indie dream-pop leaning EPs In Water and Nightgown, played against dense rock tones to counterbalance the Austin band’s far-reaching sound. Their latest EP is 2020’s Voice Box, an effort more focused and raw, either from sweet, wistful winds like on the title track or grounded by angular, bass-driving melodies (“Athlete”). Since then, Why Bonnie has shared one-off single “Galveston”, among the prettiest of their their songs, rawer in how it allows their heart-connecting songwriting fully stand out.