Blvd Hvnny – IX (Digital Album – Mongrel Records)
“IX” is the debut album by the South African band Blvd Hvnny. Originally started as a solo project, it has since evolved into a five-piece band. This debut contains nine tracks.
The opening track breathes the spirit of the ’80s, blending shimmering synths with guitar and a deep, seductive vocal. The New-Wave influence soon shifts into a dark, elegant fusion of New-Wave and Chanson. Hints of Nick Cave are clearly present, which makes the inclusion of a highly successful cover of “The Weeping Song” feel perfectly natural. Another surprise is a haunting rendition of Yazoo‘s “Winter Kills”.
The songs are strikingly varied yet remain strongly interconnected. Whether the mood turns wilder, heavier, or leans toward a more Pop-driven sound with a subtle Depeche Mode flavor, the album never loses its grip. Guest vocalists contribute along the way, enriching both the diversity and the overall quality of the record.
All in all, “IX” is an enthralling listen from start to finish—an album I can highly recommend. (Rating:8).
Watch the clip “Sinner’s Ball”:
About Blvd Hvnny
Blvd Hvnny is led by South African musician Cito, also known for his work with WONDERboom and Absinthè. The project began as a solo studio venture before evolving into a five-piece live band, blending Gothic, trip-hop, and electronic elements. The band’s debut album, “IX”, was released via Mongrel Records, produced by Matthew Fink, formerly of The Awakening, and Barry Berk, with additional production work from Craigie Dodds. Lyrical collaborators on the album include Erin Alden, who co-wrote “Lilac Sky”, “Joaquín”, and “Scarface”, while Ashton Nyte of The Awakening contributes vocals to “She’s One of Us Now” and Bronwyn Leigh Fink appears on the Yazoo cover “Winter Kills”.
The band’s cover of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds’ “The Weeping Song”, featuring Ross Learmonth of Prime Circle, topped Mix 93.8 FM’s SA Top 40 for five consecutive weeks and was named Song of the Year. Music videos for “Joaquín” and “Nocturnes” have collected festival awards on the international circuit, extending the reach of “IX” beyond South Africa.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
