Originally a solo project of frontman Keith Krate,
Bunkbed's debut is a full-band affair with additions of bass, drums, cello, and keyboards, resulting in a nice mix of sadcore and stark indie pop. As Keith laments "Never again will I trust you with my heart" on "The Blunders" over a modest whir of keyboards and guitars, the pace is set for an album whose depressed focus never grows as weary as its author's intent. Anchored by intricate guitar melodies that float over an atmospheric backdrop that suits the down-tempo pensiveness of the songwriting, the occasional use of strings add an elegance to a set that tends to get caught too long in one gear. Still, at times elements of everyone from
Toad the Wet Sprocket to
Galaxie 500 and
Elliott Smith can be heard, proving Krate a versatile songwriter. Overall, a release that shows more than a little promise.