As I mentioned earlier this week, the Holiday season presents a wonderful chance to delve into some of the older music we’ve been meaning to feature on our blog. While I hadn’t initially planned to cover this particular album, it found its way into my hands at just the right moment, beckoning me to explore its depths. I genuinely don’t mind, as I have a deep admiration for the unique sounds that Devil Town Tapes consistently brings to the table. In fact, I’ve previously owned a release from Bedtime Khal on cassette, making the opportunity to immerse myself in this album all the more exciting.
Released back in November, this album marks a long-anticipated debut, and I couldn’t wait to see what it had in store. The accompanying press release served as a captivating introduction to the work, setting the stage for what has turned out to be a truly enjoyable listening experience.
“4 years on from his widely-acclaimed EP Fog, Eraser reintroduces us to Bedtime Khal’s signature blend of lo-fi, introspective music, whilst newly incorporating the wonky heaviness of Pavement and introspective-pop of Blood Orange to the energetic post-punk leanings of his previous releases.
The initial recording sessions for the album took place between 2019-2022 in Khal’s basement in East Lansing, Michigan, with the songs providing a cross section of the best material from the nearly 30 demos produced in that time. Deeply rooted in his experiences as a young Black man from Flint, Michigan, the album documents his journey of self-discovery and resilience, with influences from Stoicism and the activism of Malcolm X.
Eraser sees Khal once again working alongside friend and longtime collaborator Noah Kim, who together also make up the emo-duo Sideria. Kim provided a guiding hand across the record, with Khal noting that they were a “huge influence in how certain ideas came together” and contributing key guitar lines on Blood Bucket and Halo. The record also enlists the help of producer Dylan Wall, whose previous credits include Great Grandpa and Hotline TNT, to mix and master the project.”
This album undeniably stands out as the pinnacle of Bedtime Khal’s musical journey thus far. From the very first notes, it’s clear that the influence of bands like Pavement and the overall essence of 90’s lo-fi slacker rock permeate the sound, creating an atmosphere brimming with raw energy and inviting nostalgia. The striking guitar riffs, both powerful and intricate, elevate the listening experience, drawing you into a world that’s vibrant and pulsating with creativity.
I can’t help but draw comparisons between this record and the works of remarkable artists like Greg Mendez, whose stellar album resonates with similar vibes. It’s no coincidence that both of these talented musicians share the spotlight under the same label, which has cultivated such compelling talent. Greg Mendez has skyrocketed to recognition in the indie music scene, hailed as one of the finest songwriters of our time, right alongside the likes of Alex G. I have an instinctive feeling that Bedtime Khal is on an equally promising trajectory, poised for great things.
Jack from Devil Town Tapes has an exceptional ear for music, and I often find that our tastes align almost perfectly when it comes to the cassettes he curates. I’ve been diligently collecting all the releases from their label, and I can confidently say they represent my favorite part of my cassette collection. It brings me immense joy to see Jack continue to produce such remarkable albums in cassette format, and this latest release is no exception.
As I sat down to compile my list of the best albums of 2024, I realized I nearly overlooked this gem. The sheer volume of new music can be overwhelming, and even the most extraordinary albums can momentarily slip through the cracks of memory. My experience as a music blogger often leads me to feel like my musical world is confined to the submissions we receive or what is recommended, which is an inherent challenge of covering such an expansive array of new releases.
Regardless, this album is nothing short of a masterpiece, a bold statement from Bedtime Khal that reinforces his remarkable talent. I genuinely hope it receives the recognition it deserves, much akin to what Greg Mendez has achieved. Another potent voice is emerging from the lo-fi rock scene in the States, and it’s thrilling to witness.
Take the time to immerse yourself in this album; blast it from beginning to end and I promise you will enjoy it as much as I did. I’m grateful I didn’t overlook this incredible work so I could share its beauty with you. Following Devil Town Tapes pays off in spades, and keeping up with all the albums they release is truly rewarding. Don’t miss out on this one!
Written by Filip Zemcik
