Bug On Yonkers (Love Record Stores 2020) vinyl

There must be a place in everyone's heart for passion projects. In art and music these endeavours often push boundaries we thought immovable, throw curveballs in directions we didn't realise existed and prove that just because we don't initially see something doesn't mean it isn't there, or isn't worth exploring. Los Angeles' Damaged Bug have outdone themselves on those terms here. 'Bug On Yonkers' is a suitably strange ode to the inimitable Michael Yonkers, taking his 'Goodbye Sunball' record and reworking it in a way the he'd appreciate. Known for oddball pop-folk-jazz-rock mutations, here we're given that but with fresh ears on task. 'Sold America' is a cacophonous, brass-fuelled punkish hoedown. 'In My Heart' is a tear-inducing, all is lost slice of sombre yet serene balladry, strings apparently crying over the record itself. 'I Tried' brings the psychedelic funk in generous, drummy helpings.