Released: 12 April 2024
Chosen By: Dean
Comments -
Paul: Every time I think I'm going to like this something comes along to upset that thought. His voice fits well and I enjoyed the quieter bits of this album (the starts of So Medieval, Darp 2/Exorcism, I'm Sorry I Left Him to Bleed) but I don't think there's enough of them.
The noisy bits where it sounds like The Wedding Present, Go-Betweens and Divine Comedy and all their equipment have been put in a big sack and repeatedly hit with big sticks didn't do it for me on the whole. Funnily enough the longest track, Cloudy, is where they control the noise to best effect. Overall I'd say the potential is overshadowed by it being too discordant too much of the time.
Dean: Blue Bendy's music typifies the music I listen to mostly these days. It is often structured a little differently to established musical patterns but it is not, I think, without continuity. I'm drawn to the lyrics and the playfulness. In many ways it resembles a musical score responding to changing moods and accents much the same as a movie score. It enables an emotional take on an experience of the world which is often uncomfortable.
This is sounding academic but my experience has always been an emotional one. Amongst others like Cola, Black Town New Road, Black Midi and, to some extent English Teacher, there is a body of musical ambition that embraces structural complexity and complicated themes. I can only admire that. There are some beautiful tracks on this album and I believe in the manifest intent of this genre. I have been rewarded by my own persistence because I don't think, like a lot of good art, it is as accessible as Amyl and the Sniffers for example. It is multi layered but no onion! We live in testing times meanings are not apparent and solutions are to be found in perspicacity I believe. 🌟
Ben: Oh it’s a big topic - the more you put in, the more you get out. But on the other hand you wouldn’t want to try hard to like Donald Trump. Isn’t it best if you have a natural liking for something and then put effort into appreciating that to the max? Another big topic is what do you like about music - is it an appreciation of something beautiful, something interesting/new or something that provokes an emotional response? Lots to think about. I guess the best music does all of those things. Blue Bendy doesn’t naturally do much for me so I’m not inclined to put effort into further appreciation. The beauty of the music and melodies is pretty high on my list and BB doesnt tick the box for me I’m afraid.
Stu: Moving on to BLUE BENDY then. NOT what my brain craves right now based on my mood! BUT let’s give it a fair review!
AMBITIOUS & CLEVER! Good musicianship and good lyrics. Is it as broad as it could be? I listened first whilst in the shower, washed over me a bit pardon the pun!
Not enough variety for me! I do like the wide open spaces it offers amongst the notes and the backing vocals hovering around. I do like quiet / loud!
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