Bongo Boy TV – Season 13 Episode 3 – Video Review

It’s time for another episode of Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV – a collection of the latest, hottest videos from Bongo Boy Records’ prodigious roster of talented, award-winning independent artists. The theme of this particular episode? “Spring Love,” which is appropriate, considering the East Coast is slowly trending towards longer days and warmer nights. Ready to watch the flowers bloom to spring’s unofficial but positively propulsive soundtrack? Let’s talk about it.

“Wait. Where can I watch the latest episode of Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV?”

Having premiered on Ch. 29 in Portland, Oregon, this particular episode will remain in rotation for four weeks in the USA on 72+ terrestrial TV channels. And very soon, you’ll be able to catch it on Bongo Boy TV’s very own ROKU Channel. (For local listings, see the TVGuide at bongoboytv.com).

Now, let’s watch…and listen.

The collection kicks off with “My Sick Addiction” from Canada’s RENZITA. Showing various sped-up locales, it begins with higher electronica pulses before switching to female-led hard rock. It becomes aggressive, almost hardcore, and returns to that lighter electronica to signal the pre-chorus. This is a combination that shouldn’t work, but RENZITA bashes these conflicting, warped shapes into something singular, smooth, and conducive.

Next up, it’s Brooklyn’s Becky Krill with a video for “Bubble.” This is a beautifully shot video following Becky through a relatively normal day – one with the average, occasional challenge, and the slow thump of something more emotionally permanent. This is a light, acoustic, danceable tune wading into country crossover with accompanying violins and harmony-laden choruses. And with moments of reflection upon green grass, away from perhaps an unforgiving cityscape, “Bubble” gets out of one to reveal the true joy that’s usually one selfless action away.

And now, it’s Belgium’s Secret Wish with “Voodoo Nights.” A slice of thumping electronic pop, “Voodoo Nights” plays over anime featuring a quiet, introverted teenager and her very first sexual experiences. The vocal is strong and full, and the music bumps and crashes while this unnamed protagonist navigates powerful feelings and a trembling rope bridge towards adulthood.

From Portugal, it’s Marcello Vieira with “You’re a Halo.” This tasteful lyric video presents quiet, romantic moments through the loving actions of coupled silhouettes. And over these affecting visuals, Marcello’s rich, gentle, and when necessary, explosive voice gathers and purges emotion with accompanying and breezy piano and strings. This is truly a great and powerful vocal performance.

And from perpetually, almost artificially sunny California, it’s Simona with “Reality TV.” This sultry, mock-“reality TV” episode features Simona’s whispery voice over a hip-bopping electronic pop offering. The video is beautifully shot and edited, and Simona, although ostensibly material, may be fed up – finally – with chasing the superficial.

Next up, it’s Eugenie Jones with “Sweet Summer Love.” This is a nice break from more mechanical pop offerings with an adroit jazzy number – it’s perhaps unfolding right in front of you with ringing piano, plucked bass, brush-rolled drums, and Eugenie Jones’ pure, dramatic, dextrous and emotionally poignant vocal delivery. This is a beautifully performed, very human expression, and the urge to relisten is certainly demanding.

And closing out the latest episode of Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV, it’s Belgium’s Exciterdance with “Tequila.” Another electronic pop-leaning tune, “Tequila” features a girl, mostly alone, in a flashing club. And then we cut to the lead vocalist under solitary spotlight; her vocals are strong, but with a thin and wavering vulnerability. Although flashy and filmed in a relatively active club, “Tequila” leans on the loneliness one feels when throwing themselves into such an expected, but surprisingly dispassionate experience. One may be surrounded with people, smiles, flickering lights, and thumping beats, but feel utterly displaced and unreachable. Well, at least there’s Tequila – the dependable social anxiety suppressor.

But is it good?

If you like your rock and roll with more programming and an unwavering beat for infinite dancing, you’ll love this modern collection of budding and conquering independent artists. With great camerawork, excellent editing, and affecting accompanying visuals, the latest episode of Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV presents the cream of the audiovisual crop.

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BELOW: Watch Bongo Boy TV Season 13: Episode 03, and connect with Bongo Boy Records’ website and social media platforms. Make sure to listen to your favorite Bongo Boy artists online, and support them by playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And as always, thank you for supporting real music!