The Other Side
Diggers Factory, 2021
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Paul Bergmann is in the company of Dylan Ryan, Mike Clauss and Stephen Heath here, as his inimitable folk formula welcomes plenty of unclassifiable and experimental ideas into the existential The Other Side.
“Change From The Rust” leads with some dense atmosphere as brief psyche-folk and slide guitar from Heath segues into the dark textures of “The Other Side”, where a gothic, nearly carnival-esque climate swirls with mystery and intrigue.
In the middle, the thick guitars and firm drumming of ““Blue Hearts” emits power and melody in a blurry setting, while “Oh, My Love” gets dreamy, playful and unfolds with both a soothing and adventurous spirit. “Diamond Fawn”, an especially great tune, then flows with a cinematic quality as a bare form of vintage folk radiates a raw demeanor.
Further still, “Bring On The Rain” benefits from backing vocals and strategic harmonica and “Rust From The Change” exits the listen with an ominous and ambient instrumental that’s oddly charming and a bit eerie.
A record that’s fuzzy, jangly, spacey and, most importantly, unconventional, Bergmann defies all norms surrounding songwriting, which is certainly part of his appeal on yet another exciting effort.