GRAHAM BONNET BAND – Day Out In Nowhere

The True Voice of Alcatrazz

When it comes to iconic singers in the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres, there are few that have the voice and songwriting style that make them completely unique. Graham Bonnet is one of those few, and with the release of his new album Day Out in Nowhere by The Graham Bonnet Band he again shows us that he is one of a kind. The album is the follow-up to 2018’s Meanwhile Back in the Garage, and for this reviewer is a big step up in almost every way. Graham is accompanied by Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, Conrado Pesinato on guitars, Alessandro Bertoni on keyboards and a slew of great guest musicians from Roy Z to Don Airey that help put this record over the top.

It’s All About The Song

Graham Bonnet has always been known for having lyrics and melodies in his songs that capture our imagination, and take us to another place. Day Out in Nowhere shows that not only does Graham Bonnet still have the voice, but also he still knows how to weave a tale that makes you stop and think. A great example is the dark themed “Uncle John”, telling a haunting story of a trusted adult that molests children. Few have the bravery to approach such a topic, let alone make it work in a meaningful, thought provoking way within a song. The opening track “Imposter” is full of intensity and energy, and reflects upon aging, and how we view ourselves as we grow old. Do we try to hold onto our youth? Or do we accept our appearance as a badge of honor as we grow old. One positive effect of the pandemic is that it has given many artists the time to really dig deep and put more focus into songwriting, and with Graham Bonnet it really shows.

Final Notes

Graham Bonnet – Day Out in Nowhere is a great album, and feels more like an Alcatrazz album than the last Alcatrazz album Graham participated on (and definitely more like Alcatrazz than the newest incarnation using the moniker). For those who haven’t followed the news, Graham left Alcatrazz due to certain band members preferring their manager over their singer (who formed the band in his garage in 1983). Day Out in Nowhere is the best work from Graham Bonnet in the last 10 years, and shows that he made the right choice in leaving that group of musicians who thought they were Alcatrazz on their own. The bottom line is there is only one Graham Bonnet, and whether he’s singing in the Graham Bonnet Band or in the upcoming Graham Bonnet’s Alcatrazz, he will always be the defining sound that made him the legend he is today.

Lineup

Vocals: Graham Bonnet
Guitars: Conrado Pesinato
Bass: Beth-Ami Heavenstone
Guest musicians:
Keys: Alessandro Bertoni
Drums: Levi Dokus
Drums: Shane Gaalaas
Guitars: Jeff Loomis
Acoustic Guitar: Takanori Ozaki
Drums: John Tempesta
Guitars: Mike Tempesta
Guitars: Roy Z
Orchestal Arragement: Shota Nakama and Antonio Teoli

Day Out in Nowhere – Tracklist

Imposter
Twelve Steps To Heaven
Brave New World (ft. Roy Z)
Uncle John
Day Out In Nowhere
The Sky Is Alive
David’s Mom
When We’re Asleep (ft. Mike Tempesta, John Tempesta)
It’s Just A Frickin’ Song (ft. Don Airey)
Jester (ft. Jeff Loomis)
Suzy (Orchestra)