Bucket Brigade’s Self-Titled Debut: A Sonic Head-Scratcher Worth Your Time
If you’re into electronic music that feels like it was beamed straight from an alternate dimension, Bucket Brigade by Bucket Brigade might just tickle your eardrums in ways you didn’t know were possible. Released in 2018 under the No Index label, this abstract gem is a wild ride through soundscapes that are equal parts puzzling and hypnotic. And yeah, before you ask—yes, the artist is also called Bucket Brigade. It's kinda like naming your dog “Dog,” but hey, it works.
The album leans hard into its electronic roots, with synthesizers doing most of the heavy lifting (props to Bucket Brigade themselves for handling those duties). What makes this record stand out isn’t flashy production or big-name guest appearances; it’s the sheer unpredictability of it all. Tracks have these super specific date-based titles, like they’re little time capsules of sonic experimentation. Honestly, it’s kinda endearing.
Let me zoom in on two tracks that stuck with me. First up is "7.18.17frimorn." Right off the bat, this one throws you into a swirling vortex of bleeps, bloops, and what I can only describe as digital raindrops hitting a tin roof. The pacing is slow enough to let you soak it all in, but there’s this subtle tension lurking underneath, like something big could happen at any moment—and then it doesn’t. But weirdly, that’s what makes it so memorable. It leaves you hanging, questioning if maybe you’re supposed to fill in the blanks.
Then there’s "12.24.17shorter," which feels like someone took Christmas morning and ran it through a glitch machine. There are these faint chime-like tones sprinkled throughout, almost teasing you with holiday cheer, but they’re chopped up and distorted beyond recognition. It’s both unsettling and oddly comforting, like finding an old family photo that’s been folded too many times. You can tell it used to mean something beautiful, but now it’s got this raw, imperfect charm.
One thing I gotta mention—the mastering job here is solid. Everything sounds crisp without being over-polished, letting the abstract nature of the music shine through. Kudos to whoever handled that part because it’s not easy making chaos sound intentional.
So yeah, Bucket Brigade isn’t gonna appeal to everyone. If you’re looking for catchy hooks or lyrics to sing along to, you’re barking up the wrong tree. But if you dig stuff that challenges your brain while keeping your feet tapping, this is worth checking out. Plus, how often do you come across an album where even the track titles feel like riddles?
Final thought? Listening to this album feels like wandering around an art gallery late at night when no one else is around. You don’t always “get” what you’re seeing—or hearing—but it sticks with you anyway. Oh, and fun fact: I listened to this whole thing while trying to assemble IKEA furniture, and let me tell ya, it made the process about 47% less frustrating. Coincidence? Probably. But still, food for thought.
