A wave of shiver-inducing shoegaze engulfs the senses as bdrmm captivates not only our ears but our very souls with “John on the Ceiling,” the dark, atmospheric, and mesmerizing lead single from their third album, ‘Microtonic.’
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Stream: “John on the Ceiling” – bdrmm
A wave of shiver-inducing shoegaze envelops us as bdrmm captivates our ears and souls with their enchanting ‘late-night’ sound. Released on November 12, 2024, through Mogwai’s Rock Action Records, “John on the Ceiling” – the lead single from their forthcoming third album, Microtonic – sees the Hull-based quartet exploring human behavior through a darkly ethereal, atmospheric, and intensely unapologetic sonic haze. ‘Microtonic,’ bdrmm’s third studio album, is set to come out on February 28, 2025, via Rock Action Records.
As we remain intrigued, all the pieces lie to rest. From the outside looking in, everything appears perfect once more. The problems they share have been muted, soaked in uncertainty. While they stand there, contemplating how to break free from what’s been said and done. “The themes surrounding ‘John on the Ceiling’ revolve around confusion and doubt,” bdrmm’s vocalist and guitarist Ryan Smith tells Atwood Magazine. “When something concludes and another begins, you deceive yourself into feeling secure that past mistakes won’t recur. This cycle continues until you find yourself stuck in limbo. Can people truly change?”
Smith, along with bandmates Jordan Smith (bass, synth, and vocals), Conor Murray (drums), and Joe Vickers (guitar), delivers a moving moment of contemplative self-reflection in the chorus. As the drums pulse and the synths intensify, Smith’s voice rises – stripping away the rose-tinted view many of us cling to:
So don’t go changing the moments,
Hold our pasts in time.
The pieces that never endure
have found their place within us.
bdrmm © Stew Baxter
Since its debut in November, “John on the Ceiling” has been followed by recent singles “Infinity Peaking” and “Lake Disappointment,” both showcasing bdrmm’s continued exploration of the bold and brutal musical landscapes of Microtonic. At times cold yet simultaneously intense, bdrmm’s art resonates with an inescapable, undeniable passion.
As Ryan Smith states, these chilling, electric sensations serve an overarching vision for Microtonic. “The whole concept of the record is Dystopia,” he reveals. “It seems we spend every waking moment witnessing the world become an increasingly difficult place to live. Watching the news has grown unbearable. It feels like we’re living in something reminiscent of Black Mirror. I recall watching that show and considering how dark it was, but now it feels normal. It seems we are experiencing it. Thus, most of the lyrics are about living in a world that doesn’t feel real anymore; it no longer feels like ours. We are controlled day in and day out.”
“For instance, in ‘Snares,’ I aimed to do something more akin to spoken word. I wanted to genuinely communicate with people rather than conceal words in melody. ‘The time that we’ve forgotten has been warped, broken, and taken away…’ This reflects my mental state post-pandemic and its ongoing repercussions. I don’t feel like I emerged from that significant event as the same person; I’m constantly trying to remember what I was like before it, but I know that person isn’t who I am now.”
bdrmm © Stew Baxter
Smith elaborates, “‘Clarkycat’ was inspired by reading Kafka’s Metamorphosis (and yes, that references Brass Eye. I feel as though we’re living in a world that Chris Morris used to parody, but it’s no longer funny). I delved into David Lynch’s influence on Eraserhead, as after watching it, I aspired to make the whole album resonate with that world. The words flowed naturally after reading that. The anxiety felt by the character Gregor struck a chord with me, so I sought to channel those feelings into the track.”
While the faceless
bite their tongues, we
all need something
to hold onto.
When they step down
drenched in loss, they
will finally grasp
what they’ve done.
“The entire album might sound rather bleak from my descriptions, but there are moments of hope and joy. This is probably the happiest I’ve been while writing lyrics for the record; it’s just unfortunate that the rest of the world continues to become more challenging to navigate. It inevitably seeps into the subconscious and manifests as the only thoughts translated into the music.”
The kind of track that ignites a fire from within, “
A perfect demonstration of building up and releasing emotions.
Photography and Art Direction: Sam Thirgood Styling and Text: Claudia Saadeh Hair and Makeup: Margot Schifano Models: Lucie @ BodyLondon; Naran @
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A wave of chilling shoegaze envelops the senses as bdrmm captivates not only our ears but our souls with "John on the Ceiling," the haunting, atmospheric, and enchanting lead single from their third album, 'Microtonic.'