All I know about Jason Bonthron is that he used to play in the Hoboken, NJ based reggae band Smoove, but for the past 2 years he has been working on his new masterpiece – Cyclops.

Well, here’s the other thing I know about Jason…

He writes music, and he writes very well.

Joining him on this album:

•  Jason Bonthron: bass, vocals
•     John Sonntag: guitars
•     John Flynn: keys
•     Pat Mcsherry: drums
•     Danielle Stauss: vocals
•     Dave Hollander: sax
•     Larry Wohl: violin
•     Mark Toman: dulcimer
•     Lee Harrington: banjo
•     David Anthony: drums

Now that you can see the array of instruments, it is important to note [again] all the music was written by Jason. Kudos, sir!

It’s one thing to be a musician and songwriter, but it’s an entirely different monster to be a composer with the ability to include such a vast array of instrumentation…and do it this well.

Opening up with the calming, sombering sounds of am radio we move into the funky jam of not today which is then followed by the in-your-face, rock n roll, up-tempo piece, skate rat – which definitely makes you feel like you’re racing through the street on 4 wheels and a board.

The stimulating, aurally pleasant journey continues until track 8, goodbye. Every track is an opus all unto itself but somehow manages to result in a cohesive, unique album.

Never a boring moment, I have listened through this album several times (at least 5+) trying to make sure I catch everything.

The production is pristine and definitely adds more depth to an already deep music. John Sonntag and the sounds captured at Thunder Pumpkin Studios really put the icing on this musical cake.

This is the part where you grab the album.