Bonson Berner has released an album that combines many different influences, embraces the odd and creates a sound that stands out in a music industry that at times can become very formulaic. Reflection is a clear musical direction for Berner and shows off how important it is to not be afraid to look outside of the box. This album pushes many different musical boundaries and shouldn't be kept into one category. It explores and should be respected for that artistic sense.
The group consists of Lisandro Aloi, who is represented on vocals, bass and guitar, along with Guillermo Porro on backup vocals, guitar, bass and Diego Cuevas on synth and programming. Bonson Berner was the creation and idea of Lisandro “Pato” Aloi. Aloi is known for being a musician, photographer and architect and really wanted this album to represent who they are musically.
Musically their sound is developed through the vocal delivery of Aloi and how his range is framed within the heavier instrumental choices. Together, this really creates the post-punk and indie atmosphere that can be heard on Reflection.
What helps to make this album stand out is how it embraces the influences from the punk/rock industry and electronic music. That use of the EDM influences and synthesizers really help to take this sound out of an ordinary feeling and make it feel modern and fresh. This is a musical experiment; Bonson Berener wants to try different things and explore who they are as artists but it is that willingness to create and be different that takes this album into a more interesting and complex realm.
At times this album might feel too heavy on electronic influences or just very heavy in tone, but after listening to the album in order, it is clear that this was the musical picture they wanted to present to fans. You go through their musical journey and at the end you feel the passion and honesty that was captured on this album.
Stand out singles on this album include "I'll See You Again," "Open String" and "It Is What It Is."