2 Ton Bug are back with more of their trademark highly produced, minimal chamber pop. Part bedtime lullaby, part existential exploration of the human psyche, It’s A Wonderful Life is a unique journey through exotic soundscapes where nothing is quite as it seems. Mixed and produced by world renowned visionaries, the album is a comfort to the hordes of misunderstood and isolated young people in today’s world, as well as being fun and accessible for normal people.
The lyrics, while often poignant and even upsetting, are carefully crafted. For example, on the cryptically named ‘Down at the Duckpond’ they read:
“Down at the duckpond
I spend my nights
I feed the animals
and bet on the fights
Down at the duckpond
Living for free
Down at the duckpond
Please leave me be.”
And later:
“Down at the duckpond
Theyre all my pets
I do all my yelling
I make my threats
Down at the duckpond
I get my thrills
I have no debts
But man I got bills.”
Before the goosebump-inducing, cathartic refrain:
“Down at the duckpond
Down at the duckpond.”
Our previous chat with band member Joe Rumrill highlighted 2 Ton Bug’s desire for fame and fortune and, endorsed by him, him, her and these, It’s A Wonderful Life sees them take another step up the wobbly ladder of comercial superstardom. The album is also special in that it contains absolutely no irony.
You can get the album here on a pay-what-you-can-basis. I’m sure the band would appreciate any renumeration you can afford, especially after forking out on both Frog AND Toad as cover stars.