This review may surprise some of you. You mostly know me as that guy who listens to punk rock. I am, you aren't wrong. Punk is the main source of my musical choices, but every so often my head gets turned (and I'm older so that actually hurts now) by something out of genre.
Blue Museum have managed to craft something extraordinary with Room to Breathe. Born from the mind of Michael Hollis and Jeremey Boniello, this project was very different from their respective other bands. Brought to life by... death. Death of friends, relationships, and the overwhelming dread that took over all of our lives during covid. Quarantine meant detachment and isolation, a bleakness that could easily overwhelm an individual with a sadness there was seemingly no cure for. During this, connection was made. Sparks of ideas and lyrics and musical snippets passed between the two and they realized that these sounds, these emotions all needed to be released.
The album opens with "Pour Into Everything". An ode to all the feels of quarantine: the worry, the helplessness, and the hope that things would indeed be ok on the other side of whatever it was we were collectively facing. Poignant lyrics laid out over what can only be described as a '70s radio vibe sets the tone of this album. Lush vocal harmonies that would make Brian Wilson jealous wound themselves into my brain, so much in fact that subsequent listenings found me discovering lyrics I hadn't caught before due to being so captivated by how they sounded rather than what was said. Highlights attesting to this fact are the aforementioned track, "For My Friends", and "The Ulster 45" which is an incredibly fun song about being stuck behind slow drivers. Trust me, this record has every bit of the lyrical wit and charm that an offspring of a threesome between the Beach Boys, Fountains of Wayne and Wilco would want to have. An ever intriguing pop sensibility adding textures and layers to the sonic canvas.
Now for what sets this duo into YOU MUST HEAR THIS territory (or in my case, must tell everyone I know territory) is the music itself. As if it wasn't enough that they manage to create a microcosm of intimacy and emotion with lyrics and their amazing voices, (Seriously these two could sing from a magazine ad and I'd be enthralled) BUT the instrumentation is equally incredible.
I mentioned the 70s radio vibe spread throughout the tracks and i believe it is something that you had to live through to appreciate in depth. For those of you too young to know, which even includes the artists in this case, there was something magical about late night rainy drives with only the crackle of the radio playing popular songs, it was like a hug from a grandparent when you fell on the playground. It was pain, and joy all in one. Sadness and hope holding hands in your soul. I wish I had better words to describe it. It is a sound of artistry uninhibited. Adding elements whenever and wherever the artist feels they should be the same way a classical composer knows exactly which lines need woodwind, brass, etc. Don't believe me? Check out "Twinkles". It's an extraordinary example of what can be done when you decide that there is nothing holding you back in your expression. I could continue ranting about this record but this review is already long overdue. I think I've made a pretty solid case for why this is one of the favorite things I've listened to this year. Room to Breathe is both exceptional and unexpected. To think that something so beautiful came from a time so bleak and dark is a testament to the talent in this band. A true work of art worthy of being enshrined in the bands moniker.
If you're a fan of things that are awesome and bands like: Wilco, Fountains of Wayne, the Beach Boys, Eddie Rabbit, the Bee Gees you are going to want to hear this band and give a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Bandcamp. Just try to contain your tears of joy while you listen.
Big Love, Uncle Damon
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