We Hope you’re ready for some bone-rattling, grunge-infected alternative rock as Crunchy Frog has the pleasure of bringing you the forthcoming EP from I Am Bones, Conjunctivitis. Aside from its direct and literal reference to the eye infection, Conjunctivitis is also a pun. Conjunctions are words we use to tie it all together. Here, we’re dealing with infected conjunctions; the stuff that binds us is inflamed. Its direct meaning, the aforementioned eye infection affecting your literal outlook, is also fitting. You can try to close your eyes, but the stinging irritation is with you even in attempted isolation. This theme is an unpleasant undercurrent on an EP of relentlessly heavy, heartbreakingly melodic, and irresistibly catchy songs.
With a touch of lush shoegaze and the distortion of grunge, I Am Bones crafts an anthem with “Bump Down.” The slow-burning tune features cartoonish vocals wrapping around searing guitar melodies and head-banging drums for a single that is in no rush yet still possesses a sense of urgency. The band’s intricate fusion work gives “Bump Down” its uniquely enticing replay value. There are moments where the drum patterns dip into a jazz swing while the vocals take on more of a chamber pop feel, but this is not to discredit how hard the tune rocks. “Bump Down” balances chaotic and ambient, allowing I Am Bones to showcase every corner of their individuality. The band approaches rock music as a blank canvas more than a rule book, and this single only touches on the prowess exhibited on their EP.
