ALEX LLOYD finds The Von Bondies challenging for the White Stripes' crown with their new CD.

THEY say all publicity is good publicity so The Von Bondies must secretly thank the day that the White Stripes' Jack White sent his best right hook in the direction of frontman Jason Stollsteimer's face.

The reason why White took exception to his former protg in a Detroit bar last December is still unclear but possibly Jack was offended by the Bondies' decision to lay off the blues and go glam on this, the follow-up to the White-produced debut album Lack Of Communication.

He shouldn't be - because Pawn Shoppe Heart rocks. This is the band who once sang "We all hail, hail/rock n roll" after all.

Album opener is No Regrets, a glorious stomping swagger which is the Bondies' message to the masses that they have finally gelled as a band.

Stollsteimer wails "No, you really haven't lived life yet/if ain't got no regrets" as the drums thump out their war-cry and you know these guys mean business.

Never more so than C'Mon C'Mon, the album's catchiest track, which hits you right between the eyes with a flying guitar riff and cat-calling chorus between the boys and girls.

The Bondies' musical maturity is also evident as they dip their toes into all sorts of waters, seamlessly mixing a funky bass riff a la Radio 4 on The Fever with cool female vocals reminiscent of Elastica on Not That Social.

And their Detroit roots are still very much in evidence on the sultry blues tale of lost love, Mairead, or the posturing Been Swank, Stollsteimer wailing like a man possessed.

Controlled, confident and stylish, Pawn Shoppe Heart is The Von Bondies application to join rock royalty.

Watch out Jack - they're after your crown.

Updated: 08:58 Thursday, March 04, 2004