Gloom Balloon shares his instrumentally diverse and eclectic 3rd full length LP
Review by Austin Sher
Officially released on September 25th, Gloom Balloon is back with an instrumentally diverse and eclectic 3rd album titled, So Bergman Uses Bach To Get His Point Across, I Feel Like I Have Chosen Rock But At What A Cost. Read along for full thoughts on the record, in addition a brief background on the artist.
So yes, your first impression of the record might be that the album name is lengthy, but oh boy, does this album deliver beyond all expectations you might have. Before we get into it, let us provide you with an origin story of the record and band.
In the name alone, Gloom Balloon represents grand ups and grand downs. This new album from Des Moines, Iowa-based mastermind Patrick Tape Fleming does, too. From its Sgt. Pepper’s-riffing cover (a theme of visual homage that has stretched across three full-lengths) to its compelling short story of a title, to the record’s sweeping opening track, “Tru Love Waits,” this album is an experience like we haven’t actually experienced in quite some time. It took us back to a time in the 60’s for example, where albums were purposefully cohesive in the best ways possible.
On the record, the artist listed no less than 32 instruments attributed to himself (including Static Electricity, Box of Bulbs, and of course, Balloons). Before going on to rattle off another 22 participants in this recording. At a time when we as a people are isolated, and artists are making recordings that reflect isolation, Gloom Balloon has created a record that is ultimately communal in the amount of extras involved throughout.
Coming in at an astonishing 20 tracks, spanning 41 minutes, it is truly an adventure of an album that experiences highs and lows within the overall atmosphere, soundscapes, and extremely diverse instrumentation. Being as straightforward as possible, if you enjoy your music with flairs of experimentation, then please look no further, because this is 100% the album for you.
Featuring a stellar choir throughout the record, in addition to focused spoken word packages, the album is out of left field in the best way possible. Listening to so much different music on a daily basis, it was absolutely refreshing to go into this with no expectations and come out of it with the utmost respect and envy for the artist. We truly cannot even fathom the hard work and perseverance that was involved in crafting something so dense.
Picking out an individual track to consider to be our “favorite” would be an impossible task. Especially because it is 20 tracks long, from start to finish it flows like an experience rather than a string of singles. In our opinion though, so much music these days is quietly focused on featuring the standouts and individual songs that are meant to be added to theme playlists. What we liked most is the album experience. For example, having this record on vinyl would be a treat because you’re forced to sit down with it and take it in as one, instead of hopping around.
Have we made ourselves clear? We seriously hope so. If we haven’t though, we are highly suggesting and recommending you to take the time out of your day to listen in full. We’re full blown Gloom Balloon fans and are greatly looking forward to whatever project he releases next, we’ll be watching with a close eye!
For everything Gloom Balloon, to listen, and to keep up with future releases and information, please check out the following links below.
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