by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Bungler, the Philadelphia based solo project of Paul Hewes (Snoozer, Idiot Forever), has amassed a large catalog of home-spun indie over the past seven years, balancing fuzzy slacker rock with weary hooks. Last year saw the release of two EPs and a full length album, and while you’d excuse Bungler for missing 2023, he’s back again with Light In The Corner, a brilliant new record for Strange Mono (Sandcastle, Ruah, Webb Chapel). Due out October 24th, the record is built on great songwriting and plenty of spirited lo-fi, the album’s ramshackle qualities constructing the heart of the music. At times it’s shaky and psychedelic, opting for garage rock quirk, while at the other times Bungler aims to tear into the glory of 90’s “alternative” rock, adding his own personality to the melancholy distortion. Recorded with Dan Angel (Gunk, Nyxy Nyx, Ugh God) on drums, Sam Kassel (Sandcastle) on keys, and Kieran Ferris (Joy Again, Snoozer) on bass, Hewes finds himself in excellent company, the eerie textures and minimalist warble feels both intricate and disjointed.
“Calm” is the record’s lead single, a song that captures the more overdriven elements of Bungler, weaving through a dense landscape of pop-centric rust. The song recalls at times The Bends era Radiohead, as Hewes simplistic yet commanding vocals feel akin to early Thom Yorke. There’s a groove to “Calm” though that sort of stumbled it’s own path, digging against shimmering keys with a low end that carries the weight of Bungler’s repeated confession, “I’m just trying to calm down”. It’s a great tune that really finds the balance between emotion and muscle, the intimate nature of the lyrics paired against a heft of guitars that burns like a cigarette in the dark. The video captures life in motion from inside a car window, a vibe that fits the song’s theme of holding on.
Proceeds from sales of this album are being donated to Savage Sisters Recovery, a harm reduction organization in Philadelphia dedicated to providing thoughtful, trauma-informed resources for those recovering from substance use disorders.