Bodega’s Excellent Adventure
Trying to pin down a single genre for a band like Bodega is like trying to catch smoke. They effortlessly defy easy categorization, existing in a beautiful, jagged space where melodic indie rock clashes with art rock and even hints of hardcore. This refusal to be boxed in has always been part of their appeal, but with their latest release, the lines blur even further.
On their fifth album, All Inside Aquarium, Bodega has moved past simple labels for something far more interesting. The album doesn’t fit neatly into any single box; it manages to sound like it could have been released right in 1991, yet it carries a fresh, expansive energy.
The title track, for instance, kicks off the journey with frenetic riffs and psychedelic solos paired with a catchy “na na na” chorus that instantly evokes the swagger of bands like the Stone Roses and Jane’s Addiction. It’s jarring for some, but it sets the stage for something genuinely compelling.
As the album unfolds, Bodega strikes a masterclass in balance. They manage to harness catchy, looping melodies and driving rhythms without sacrificing the raw momentum of old school rock and roll. Tracks like “Astro Night Ride,” “Pick Up the Check,” and “Backbeaten” achieve this perfectly, built on the hypnotic drumming of Adam Shumski and the inventive guitar work of Dan Ryan. These songs feel lush and expansive, yet they retain that essential, energetic rock grit.
The sound is undeniably optimistic, reflecting a simpler, more united vision of the nineties. Whether it’s the hopeful aesthetic of “Literary World” or the shimmering, almost Dune-like mantras found in “Fear not the Fear,” the mood is undeniably bright. This positive vibe is largely carried by the warm vocals of Ben Hozie, who delivers a rock star sensibility rather than earnest poetry, successfully passing the ultimate test: the lyrics simply work when delivered with passion and rhythm.
While the core sound is incredibly cohesive, the band’s dynamic range is further highlighted by their other vocalist, Nikki Belfiglio. She injects a fascinating layer of variety, swinging the mood from bouncing indie dance-rock in “Weather Me” to intimate singer-songwriter reflections in “Olivia,” and even touching on angular post-punk in tracks like “Pile Driver.” Though some of these explorations feel slightly out of place on the main album, they demonstrate the incredible versatility of the band.
Ultimately, All Inside Aquarium proves that Bodega isn’t confined by genre. They are operating in a space that is post-genre, offering surprising variety with every turn. You never know exactly what you’ll find when you walk into a new bodega, and that is exactly what makes their music so endlessly rewarding.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
