Bloomfield Machine has been one to tell tales through instrumentals. The brainchild of Brian Kassan, this is his passion project that navigates emotions and narratives all through the brilliance of instrumentals. Inspired by several artists, there is a dystopic aura around the beats, the melodies in parts. However, it can all be changed in a single flick with how cleverly white waters are navigated. This is the latest album from Brian, called Suiteness.
Your music has a delightful combination of indie rock, pop and shoegaze. How did you discover this unique style?
Bloomfield Machine is a blend of many of my influences just naturally occurring. I’ve been a lifelong musician and music fan. I started on classical piano at age 7 so my ear for melody has always been strong. With all the cool effects and sounds now available, I like to experiment with sound. My Bloody Valentine is a good example of a mixture of noise and beautiful melody. This seems to be where I’ve landed in a sense. It is not a conscious process at all—it just channels through I and capture it when it does.
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Instrumental reveries to feel
A unifying thread that would get into parts of this album is suave grooves. You see, Bloomfield Machine has no lyrics, however has some undeniably catchy rhythm parts that become the “story” of the song. It is not only entertaining, but fortuitous to see how the core melody will diversify into other parts. There is a woven beauty to it, there are no sudden stops or movements. They all flow into each other, like a thematic cinema sequence would turn out. What you witness, nay, listen to, is an Iñárritu sequence masterfully developed.
You have been able to tell compelling stories through albums. Is this your preferred way of experiencing the narrative?
I’m hoping the listener gets a visual from the music that is their own. It’s sort of like reading a book, where you put in the visuals yourself.
Since Arguing with Success, which has been a project which has been the most complex to write and record for you?
I don’t think any of my 7 albums were more complex—I do spend time with details, trying to make sure I like the result.
Through the first 5 songs, I studied what the elements were implying. I felt the post-grunge style dominating, something like what Frank Black from The Pixies would compose. Bloomfield Machine writes the sequences, then lets our brains do the work. If there are monographic voice recordings, they are emblematic. Of the grooves, of the imagery that would be associated with this kind of music. Like the song On a Bender or the Normal Amount of Pain. It is like listening to the Dust Brothers bring something as groovy as Fight Club’s soundtrack.
The interludes betweens songs add a certain charisma to the next number. What inspired you to do this?
I’m not sure that there are any interludes, but I like to keep my works short—to the point so I don’t get bored and hopefully the listener stays engaged to see what happens next.
In structures of songs
This synopsis can be felt in how the songs are structured as well. Each song is not more than 3 minutes on average. Your brain can sequence imageries from titillating action sequences to formulaic breakdowns with this catchy music. Cosmic Debris features so many retro elements-the avant-garde flowing melody, the hook of a beat and the sudden departure into electronic chasms. All of it is part of the larger tapestry-while Bloomfield Machine gives justice to each instrument. The bass and drums stand out in many compositions, but by its unique virtue.
Are there any unique inspirations you have in artists. Someone we would probably never guess?
My musical taste has a pretty big range from pop/rock, jazz and avante grade composers. I will say that I listen to a lot of contemporary electronic music that keeps me inspired—Amon Tobin, Apex Twin..things like that.
Symmetry Mistake uses a much more minimal palette to drive effect, successfully. As electronica approaches, as well, there is the human element of wanting the lead melodies to wander. Wander spaces of pockets that have never been traversed-Brian Kassan’s brain working overtime to design something so special.
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By the time you’re reaching the closing of the album, the versatility is apparent. It is important to hear how the music has come together. In arrangements that reveal so much more than what machines have to offer, Bloomfield Machine is the soundtrack of your life. Designed, in entirety, for a series of circumstances that symbolise life-and its relationship with music. Listen to Brian Kassan’s genius work here:
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Self professed metalhead, moderately well read. If the music has soul, it's whole to me. The fact that my bio could have ended on a rhyme and doesn't should tell you a lot about my personality.
