Primitive Heads features compelling lyrics supported by versatile, melodic songwriting, celebrating the spirit and energy of Punk. Fronted by Swingin’ Utters singer Johnny Bonnel, the group challenges his relentless dedication to lyricism, enabling new songwriting collaborations that lead him in new creative directions on their debut record, Beak Wyatt!
“Songwriting for someone else is really fascinating to me because I am taking someone else’s songs and working to put my emotions and style into them. Guitarist Kyle Lindauer sends me the music and I work on the words and melodies. There must be something in the waters in Santa Rosa because there’s so many talented bands out there,” laughed Bonnel.
Bonnel stands as a prolific songwriter, fronting Swingin’ Utters for decades and elevating the group from the limiting street punk moniker to becoming a versatile punk band that leverages folk, ballads, and diverse instrumentation.
“I always make sure to stay busy writing. At one point, I was writing for DrugLords of The Avenues, Swingin’ Utters, and our side project, Filthy Thieving Bastards at the same time. I didn’t feel overwhelmed because it allowed me to continue exploring different styles,” said Bonnel.
Primitive Heads maintains Bonnel’s hallmark vocals, but the songwriting structure deviates from Swingin’ Utters, boasting a more melodic foundation. Due for a late October release via Strange Club Records, Bonnel is adamant about collaborating with the label, and his newest group is the fit he needs to drive his creativity further.
“I get to keep using my art for record sleeves while collaborating with new songwriters, and it’s a welcome challenge for me. Many of the guys live six hours away but I don’t feel isolated because I am prolifically writing. I’m really excited and energized with Primitive Heads,” shared Bonnel.
Additionally, Bonnel shared DrugLords of The Avenues are poised to release a new record, a welcome return since 2013’s New Drugs was released via Red Scare Records. DrugLords of The Avenues utilizes the straightforward approach of early Swingin’ Utters but with faster tempos while still serving as a vehicle for Bonnel’s introspective lyricism.
“Matt Grayson is really an energetic player and it’s been awesome playing with him. The record is done and mastered, and I finished the artwork. We’re just waiting on a release date,” said Bonnel.
Swingin’ Utters stands as the band Bonnel is best-known for, having begun in the late ‘80s as a celebration of Oi! And UK Punk. Featuring lyrics dedicated to the plight of the working class and street poet rogues, Swingin’ Utters built a strong and dedicated following that earned a home on Fat Wreck Chords. The group gradually evolved, ultimately shedding its ‘street punk’ moniker for songwriting featuring Bonnel’s instrospective lyrics, complemented by guitarist Darius Koski’s diverse instrumentation and gift for crafting haunting ballads.
“We were always pigeonholed as a skinhead band. We have skinhead friends and love the music that came from it, as well as reggae and ska but we were growing as writers and wanted to do different styles because were were influenced by so much music,” shared Bonnel.
He added, “I’m grateful for any kind of legacy. We had so much creative excitement and it needed to come out. To have fans that grow with us and still like the early stuff is great to hear. Swingin’ Utters have new songs but it’s just a matter of practicing the songs and recording them the way we want to. We’re not rushing.”
The endurance of Swingin’ Utters has been tested throughout the years, beginning with 2003’s departure of guitarist Max Huber and drummer Greg McEntee announcing his departure in 2015. The band took multiple hiatuses but returned strongly with 2011’s Here, Under Protest, sparking more consistent releases leading to 2018’s Peace and Love.
“I always make sure that no matter what, friendships always remain important. With Max, I remember a lot of the songs he brought in at the time weren’t really punk songs, more like rock and weren’t really fitting. It’s fine, there are never any hard feelings and I love everyone I’ve played with. I keep in touch with Greg all the time and he plays with The Beltones and Hunting Lions,” said Bonnel.
For Bonnel, the unwavering dedication to the written word has elevated his lyricism, showing fans new nuances and depth within punk songwriting. Swingin’ Utters challenged the typical themes found in punk lyrics while Filthy Thieving Bastards expanded on the group’s eclectic influences and Koski’s versatility. Primitive Heads challenges Bonnel to once again leverage another person’s songwriting to craft poignant lyrics and powerful melodies, but within new genres for Bonnel as a singer.
“Kyle and the guys really came up with some amazing stuff! I never wrote to these styles before; lengthy with some crazy turns and twists but I was excited to try. We actually have enough songs for another record but it took me saying we would be stupid to just sit on what we already had, and that started the path for this release,” said Bonnel.
He added, “Strange Club is perfect for this because it gives us creative latitude and I never want to limit creativity. Putting a ceiling on your artistic endeavors makes no sense. Do it until you can’t, or die,” laughed Bonnel.
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