BONUS ROOM delves into faith and contradiction in “Blessed Be”
Portland’s indie rock band, Bonus Room, is gearing up to unveil their latest single, “Blessed Be,” on October 9th as part of their upcoming debut EP, “Bunk.” The band came together during the pandemic, finding common ground in a shared basement studio dubbed the Starlight Underground. The members, comprising Chris Lee, Derrin Brice, Wes Phillips, Erik Brownfield, and Ben Dorothy, bring an eclectic mix of influences to the table, drawing inspiration from the likes of Fontaines D.C., Idles, Modest Mouse, Gorillaz, and Talking Heads.
“Blessed Be,” penned by Brice, delves into themes of conviction and faith, stemming from his upbringing in a family torn between staunch Christian beliefs and more esoteric or agnostic views. The dual nature of his upbringing, highlighted by the saying “blessed be” on his mother’s bumper sticker, fueled the lyrical content of the song. The track’s ambiance blends spiritual and sardonic tones while incorporating a fusion of surf tension and gritty post-punk energy. Initially conceived as a minimalistic instrumental sketch, the song later evolved into a complex arrangement, capturing a dark and evocative atmosphere inspired by The Cramps’ “Human Fly.”
Recording “Blessed Be” proved to be a formidable challenge due to its intricate layering and expansive sound. Lee notes that the track stands out on “Bunk” for its ambitious scope and intricate production. The rhythm break midway through the song emerges as a standout moment, adding depth to the overall composition. The band’s distinct aesthetic, characterized as “fun and brooding” by Lee, exemplifies a unique blend of individual musical backgrounds and artistic visions. Drawing from influences as diverse as Gorillaz and Talking Heads, Bonus Room’s creative synergy shines through in their music, reflecting a fusion of styles and ideas that shape their sound.
The EP’s title, “Bunk,” ties back to a series of word associations and personal anecdotes, weaving together memories of childhood sleepovers in a “bonus room” and a political filibuster in Buncombe County, North Carolina, where the term “bunk” originated as an insult. “Bunk” encapsulates a blend of instinctual creativity and deliberate intention, encapsulating humor, grit, and contradiction within its tracks. “Blessed Be” epitomizes this coalescence of themes, capturing the dance between belief and skepticism with a driving rhythm that propels the narrative forward.
Bonus Room’s music encapsulates a diverse range of influences and experiences, channeling a blend of humor, introspection, and creativity into their sound. With “Blessed Be” serving as a preview of what’s to come, the band’s debut EP promises an engaging and dynamic listening experience that invites audiences into a world of faith, contradiction, and musical alchemy.