TN
bedroom pop
“Bedroom Pop” has long been used semi-derisively to describe artists who record music at home. The argument, purists say, is that the Beatles could’ve never recorded The White Album with a single SM57 and a Focusrite Scarlett.
While that might be true, the Beatles could also ring up George Martin and demand that he and his team invent a new piece of recording equipment overnight. It goes without saying that most artists in 2024 don’t have these means – and regardless, the “next” George Martin is probably doing Crank That (Soulja Boy) FL Studio speed runs on Twitch at this very moment.
phoneswithchords, the solo project of Tennessee-based multi-instrumentalist Arthur Alligood exists somewhere in the vast chasm between a run-down Tascam 4-track tape machine and the expansive sonic soundscapes crafted by studio alchemists in the late 60s and early 70s. Over the past few years, Alligood has been quietly assembling a back catalog of gorgeous, introspective indie rock that fundamentally resists definition. These self-recorded artifacts represent a life lived, dreams dreamed, and a constant effort to find a balance between creativity and function.
On his latest release, The Speed of Time (out September 13, 2024 via Totally Real Records), Alligood has truly leveled up. Gorgeous guitar tones, ranging from bright and buzzy to cacophonous and clean, soar through the mix as blown out vocals float effortlessly above. Stark, sparse arrangements give way to intense orchestrations including electronics, strings, and horns – all while wearing the album’s retro influences firmly on its sleeve. This all serves as a venerable vessel for the star of the show: Arthur’s intensely personal and introspective lyrics, which touch on aging, love, and the joy and agony of existing.
While “Lo-Fi” is typically a term used to describe Bedroom Pop, it’s clear that phoneswithchords’ The Speed of Time has been handled with only the highest possible fidelity.
Get ready to add The Speed of Time’s lead single “Are You Asleep?” to your Mid-Autumn Walking In a Light Sweater playlist.
RIYL: The Dandy Warhols, Pixies, Flaming Lips, R.E.M.
Bandcamp / Instagram / Twitter
Releases:
TRR053 The Speed of Time ltd edition tapes – 9.13.24
TRR040 somebody had to(w/ Z Tapes) DIGI/CAS/LP – 7.14.23