Another Bulb Burned Out
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to Another Bulb Burned Out
A Michigan duo made up of Ben Steer and Dean Chittenden, as Bedroom Ceilings the pair bring indie-rock, folk sensibilities and even some mild Americana into a concept album about a character stuck and unsure, who then grapples with achieving peace in today’s world.
“Spotlight Station” starts the album with a brief bit of background talking and light Rhodes before the acoustic guitar fueled and distinct vocals of “Well-Designed Robot”, where gentle percussion enters the quirky, folk-rock tinted tune.
At the halfway point, “Spring Grass” moves with a quick pace of bouncy alt-country spirit as playful piano makes an impression, while “Journal Entry: A Dream” offers warm melodies in a very modern indie-rock atmosphere.
The album ends with some of the best tracks, including the chamber-pop prowess of “Clairvoyance Is Never Simple”, and the precise “Une Sortie D’ urgence”, where lap steel and piano work together with incredible poise.
A well thought out and sometimes intimate sophomore album, though Bedroom Ceilings were previously indebted to lo-fi and dream-pop sounds, here they’re more steeped in folk-rock, often times bringing to mind the greatness achieved by Bright Eyes. These two clearly work very well together, and appear to be carving out a very comfortably to reside in today’s indie-rock scene, as evidenced by this careful and creative effort.
Travels well with: Conor Oberst- Salutations; Alvvays- Alvvays