Deni Bonet

If you've heard of violinist Deni Bonet, it's probably as an arranger for Sarah McLachlan or as an accompanist to college-radio mainstays such as Robyn Hitchcock and R.E.M., but her delightful debut EP demonstrates that she is a gifted artist in her own right. Almost any of its six songs could have been a big hit if some hotshot producer had been around to slather a few dollops of unnecessary gloss over them. Bonet's violin is never overbearing or merely decorative. It is the center of the uncluttered yet full-sounding arrangements, settling beyond a doubt any question of the violin's pop potential. Great pop isn't about instrumentation, however -- it's about the quality of the songs, and Bonet's are packed with sharp lyrics and sharper hooks. "Sunshine" sparkles with exuberance and rare honesty ("I want to be famous/I want to f*ck you all the time"). "Bigger Is Always Better" rides on a smooth, exotic groove and a loopy, lascivious sense of humor, both of which Sheryl Crow would kill for. And the accordion-driven "Then I'll Really Love You" is pure, old-fashioned pop magic, complete with "yeah yeah yeah" in the chorus. The snotty lyrics do little to undercut the sense of sheer joy in music-making that permeates the disc. That joy is what's most striking here. Deni Bonet merits that most clichéd of critical accolades: She is too good to be popular. Her expansive personality and virtuosic playing would shame the alt-diva competition. [Note: All but one of the songs on this EP appear on Bonet's full-length debut. Check out www.denibonet.com for details.] ~ Daniel Browne, All Music Guide