Melding together ambient electronic waves, galactic tones, groovy beats, and mellow vocals into a dreamy shoegaze package, England’s Hull-based quartet bdrmm has released their second full-length album, I Don’t Know. It is a perfect album for hazy summer days relaxing on a beach or enjoying libations on a patio. The band experiments with longer instrumental interludes creating vast soundscapes to get lost in. Fitting the peaceful tunes there are lyrical themes of acceptance and finding the beauty in life not going quite as planned. There are waves of calm and bursts of danceable energy with an array of sounds including piano and strings, making this album a delightful and uplifting listening experience. This album is perfectly suited for today’s feature as a rainbow in the dark.

I Don’t Know opens with an instrumental introduction immediately painting a proper picture of what’s to come.  Subdued club-like beats are heard before spacey electronic tones are introduced and this passage builds for over two minutes before vocals begin.  This hypnotic track shows just one side of bdrmm.  Tracks vary between holding specific styles on differing ends, and combining styles in faster paced, evolving songs.  The movement of the album works well with nothing surprising or jarring and smooth transitions into different territories in perfectly timed ebbs and flows.  Following the opening track is “Be Careful” which was the second single released from the album.  This track contains more of an indie rock influence with groovier beats akin to the band Broken Bells.  

The first single released from I Don’t Know was “It’s Just a Bit of Blood” which is a personal favorite of mine.  It is clear to see why bdrmm chose this to tease the album as it contains all sides of the band into one high energy, catchy piece.  It begins with an ambient introduction featuring a quiet guitar melody before bursting to life with drums and riffs and then quieting back down to introduce vocals.  This build and bloom to calm movement continues with various timing featuring a heavy instrumental portion with roaring drums and the main melody expanded into a danceable riff.  Closing out the album is “A Final Movement” which is the longest track the band has created spanning just over eight minutes.  It is a beautifully emotive track featuring more of the electronic/synth talents of the band and winding everything down into a peaceful parting.

Bdrmm has been on my radar for a little while now and I am excited to see them continue to grow and create what speaks to them.  The band’s singer and guitarist Ryan Smith said it best—“We’ve always followed our instincts and done what felt right.  Surely, if you’re in a band, that’s the most important thing you should do.”  This drive has brought them success as they are currently touring throughout the UK and Europe through the fall.  I hope they will eventually venture over to the US for some local shows but for now, I’ll continue to listen to I Don’t Know and settle into the waves.

— Angela

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I Don’t Know is available now on Rock Action Records. For more information on bdrmm visit their Facebook page.