Introducing… BON-BON

Here at Bearded we aim to shed light on acts who don't necessarily have giant labels or muscley budgets waving banners behind them. This Introducing series will focus on artists who we think are great, regardless of how much hype surrounds them or where their origin story lays.

Bio
Name: BON-BON
Location: London, UK
Genre: Indie-pop
Similar Artists: Alice Gold, Lily Allen, Foxes
Contact: Twitter, Facebook
Events: “Might have a show at the end of the month.” Keep your eyes peeled everyone.

South London chanteuse BON-BON, real name Sian King, raised on a nutritious diet of pop and indie music, only broke into the big bad world of music after auditioning for her school's choir. Things have been snowballing in the right direction though, as the fledgling artist performed at 2013's Glastonbury, and back in November released her debut EP, entitled She Don't Want To Know, a joint excursion with longtime chum and axe-wielder John Landau (NOT John Landis as I initially misread).



The title track from her premiere release exudes the cockney swagger Lily Allen strutted onto the stage with, but there's a bubblegum soul streak bouncing around throughout, leeching inspiration from '70s rock and utilising all manner of organs, gospel keys and doo-wop backing vox. It's a gorgeous blend of nostalgia and modernity, all wrapped up with King's sublime vocals. Speaking of 'Lois Lane', another track from the EP, King says: “There is anger in there at being made to feel like a twat, but I wrote this as an 'enough is enough' song.” Relying on the extended metaphors of superheroes and, more specifically, Superman, there's a resemblance to Marina & The Diamonds in the strength, vitality and piano-led pop magnetism.



BON-BON's sound bleeds optimism, even through odes to heartbreak and failed relationships – there's no room for wallowing here. Stuffed with hooks, pop glamour and shimmering joie de vivre, King and Landau peddles a refreshing brand of pop not centred around looking cool or reticent beats. It's based on genuine tales and oodles of fun. BON-BON is as sweet as the name implies, but don't expect twee – there's still plenty to chew over in the music. We eagerly await the next instalment.