Brooklyn-based rock band, BODEGA, released two new singles in preparation for their forthcoming album, “All Inside Aquarium”, set for release on October 9th. Despite their previous records Endless Scroll (2018) and Broken Equipment (2022) drawing comparisons to icons of the post-punk scene like Sonic Youth and the Talking Heads, BODEGA’s guitarist/singer, Ben Hozie, says he’s always thought of their sound as conceptual rock. Hozie explains that with their new album, the band’s goal was, “Let’s go back to melodic tunes, let’s be more of a proper rock band.” The title track single, released in June, showcases the group’s efforts to maintain a catchier, warmer sound, while remaining bolstered by lyrics focusing on poetics. The result is an addictive track. On the surface, it’s an upbeat song that feels like driving to the beach with the windows down. When you dive into the lyrics, Hozie invites introspection with the reminder that, “There is no virtue in denigration.”
On August 5th, BODEGA released an additional single, “Weather Me.” The catchy track features vocals by the band’s singer/percussionist, Nikki Belfiglio. Belfiglio says her song is, “About living in an information kaleidoscope full of everyday grievances alongside very real problems.” She begs, “Tether me, tether me,” seemingly reminding herself, and listeners, to stay grounded. “If you don’t know who or what to prioritize, this kaleidoscope can fracture your everyday existence,” warns Belfiglio. The singles “Weather Me” and “All Inside Aquarium” showcase exactly what BODEGA is looking to do with their new direction. It’s not just catchier melodies and more guitar riffs. It’s a project that welcomes introspection and reinvention. It reminds all of us that we’re all a part of what really, at the end of the day, is one big Aquarium.
- Marisa Lopez
