Paul Bergmann is a New Haven, CT-based musician. His recently released EP, Long Island Sounds, was recorded live at Sonelab Studio by Justin Pizzoferrato (mixer/engineer of Pixies, Dinosaur Jr, Thurston Moore, etc.) to capture the sound of his 3-piece band. For some time, Bergmann has been writing and singing as if from a vantage point far into the future, as though uncovering rather than composing his own body of work. To date, his fifteen releases have ranged broadly across the landscape of the indie singer-songwriter.
“Untitled” is an early favorite from the band’s new Long Island Sound EP. The slow-burning ballad evokes a relaxed feeling thanks to the slow-burning intro, but it’s not long before a chaotic solace replaces that peace. The warping ballad comes in waves of intensity, using the poetic songwriting as an anchor for the band’s lofty sonic vision. Bergmann’s ability to transition between moods is equally impressive as his ability to blend genres; each has a unique skill set that aids in the enticing narrative of “Untitled.” The song’s lyrics employ vivid imagery of disconnected characters, all playing a pivotal role in the song. Bergmann’s approach to songwriting is reminiscent of early Tom Waits, using smokey vocals and vague literary elements to paint a picture. Bergmann leans to a more explosive side on “Untitled.” The folksy songwriting is greeted with heavy rock influences as the artist proves to be a sonic chameleon, a courageous songwriter who scoffs at convention and fearlessly enters uncharted waters.
“Comprising vignettes from a life not necessarily lived and ruminations on the human condition, ‘Untitled’ is the closing ballad from Long Island Sounds,” explains Bergmann. “Recorded live by Pizzoferrato to capture the energy of our 3-piece band, this song is my personal favorite.”
