by Kris Handel (@khandel84)
The Bimbonacci Sequence is the full length debut of Marquette-based sibling duo Bimbo, a record that expounds upon the chaotic, wonky, and ever shifting psych-tinged noise and avant-pop path of their previous EPs. Gretchen (guitar and vocals) and Dawson (drums) McKenzie push their music down all sorts of crooked and gnarled paths with a sense of unpredictability and style that is often hilarious and playful. Their releases tactfully switch from removed and dusky art-rock to crunching post-grunge barrages, questioning what actually represents stability in daily life. One of the most striking aspects of the band is Gretchen’s ability to go from a sultry coo to a blood-curdling growl or shriek at the most appropriate and impactful moments in their songs.
Distorted guitars and stop start drum fills kick off opening track “Things Keep Getting Worse” as Gretchen stutteringly rasps the increasingly bilious lyrics as tension builds and builds. The full sounding production lends an extra weight and empty space that helps drive the unease at the song’s foundation before dissipating into an extended buzz without a true climax. “Sick Moves” has a bit of a dance-punk feel to it as Gretchen’s chantingly intoned vocals spit in between jerky Melvins-like riffs and Dawson’s nimbly gymnastic kit work. Gretchen unleashes her sharp and slightly unhinged howl midway through the track, adding an anxiety to the fairly loose and entertaining musical rollercoaster ride. Bimbo have embraced their full quirk in a truly magical fashion.
“Battery Dead” has the siblings tackling their swooping grunge-y murkiness as Gretchen examines emotional and physical collapse through her storytelling as she unleashes multiple contrasting approaches. Although the vocals initially start out fairly assertive they eventually devolve into an exhausted and drained rasp playfully reminiscent of the last moments of the titular item. “Jackals” is Bimbo at their spikiest with Gretchen’s guitar spitting out sharp and ringing lines as the drums impressively jump and pop. The duo indulge their art-prog side as the song constantly shifts tempo and styles between jazzy chords and thudding experimentation while Gretchen’s vocals reach their most intense and emotional stages.
Bimbo have crafted an album where it is impossible to guess its next move and the creativity and energy they have put onto tape is infectious. The McKenzie’s continue to dig deep into their own world in a relatable and entertaining manner, their ability to play with song structure and emotional depths adding a spark to the project. The Bimbonacci Sequence really is a delightful puzzle of a record that unfathomably reveals new layers every time you listen. They keep pushing at their foundational core and yes, they are indeed on the path towards expansive growth. Based on the evidence, it will surely be an entertaining journey to follow along for a long time still to come.