The multi-talented musician Brian Kassan, who is from Huntington Beach, California, is the creator of Bloomfield Machine. Like the sounds he presently produces under the Bloomfield Machine alias, Kassan’s path through the music industry is multifaceted and diversified. Kassan was a vital member of a number of well-known bands before starting this solo endeavor, including The Wondermints, Chewy Marble, and the Tikiyaki Orchestra/Tikiyaki 5-0. Because of his involvement in these ensembles, he was able to explore a variety of musical genres and styles and it helped form his knowledge of music.
In 2017, Kassan’s years of experience and wide range of influences came together to form Bloomfield Machine. The Beatles’ melodic mastery, Radiohead’s complex soundscapes, Boards of Canada’s electronic ambiences, and Elliott Smith’s reflective lyrics are just a few of the decades and genres that have influenced his music. The sound of Bloomfield Machine is a unique fusion of artistic noise, texture, and catchy melodies that are weaved together from each of these elements.
Kassan’s methodical approach to creating music is what distinguishes Bloomfield Machine. Recorded and produced at his Huntington Beach residence, each track is a meticulously crafted work of art. Every facet of Kassan’s work demonstrates his hands-on approach, from the deft use of loops, finger drums, and a variety of instruments to the complex sound layering. It is a credit to his talent and inventiveness that he can so deftly combine these components into coherent, emotionally impactful compositions.
Despite the difficulties associated with not touring and the deluge of music available in the digital age, Bloomfield Machine has succeeded in carving out a name for themselves in the indie and electronic music communities. Kassan’s music is an experience rather than merely something to listen to. His songs are made with the intention of stirring up feelings, taking listeners on a journey, and telling tales without using words. With seven albums out in seven years, Kassan has demonstrated both his growth as an artist and his unwavering devotion to pushing the limits of what music can be.
Bloomfield Machine’s most recent release, “Suiteness,” which was released on August 16th, 2024, is an incredible piece of music. You are swept away by the album’s elaborate melodies, nuanced rhythms, and intensely emotive soundscapes from the very first note. With their distinct blend of indie rock and electronic sensibilities, each of the 16 tracks on “Suiteness” is a voyage unto itself. This album will grab your senses and leave you wanting more, regardless of how long you’ve been a listener of Bloomfield Machine’s music. Not only is “Suiteness” an album, but it’s also an investigation into sound, a manifestation of Kassan’s creative vision, and evidence of the emotive and inspirational power of music.
Suiteness Album Track List:
Euphoric Recall:
“Euphoric Recall,” the first song on Bloomfield Machine’s “Suiteness” album, transported listeners to a colorful realm where each sound has been painstakingly created to astonish and delight. My attention was drawn to the track’s infectious and steady beat right away, which combined lively guitar strings with delicate piano melodies that sounded both familiar and pleasantly unfamiliar. The midtempo groove had an alluring and cheerful regularity that drew me in with its warmth. It was contagious. It sounds like Bloomfield Machine’s creator, Brian Kassan, has captured happiness in a musical form, producing a calming yet invigorating composition.
The subtle interplay between the bass and guitar fascinated me as the tune went on. While the piano and guitar strings swirled over the smooth, deep basslines and funky drum beats, a delicate yet dynamic atmosphere was created. The sounds flowed naturally at first, but each change was deliberate and gave the piece more depth. The way basic sounds were blended to produce an enticing rhythm that was both steady and vibrant is what caught my attention about “Euphoric Recall”—the meticulous attention to detail. Every sound Kassan created seemed to pulse with a bright vitality, and I couldn’t help but be captivated into that realm.
The true brilliance of “Euphoric Recall” is its capacity to evoke euphoria without overpowering the listener. I thought the song had a really nice balance—it’s lively without being overbearing, a little exuberant without ever being hectic. The sound is so well balanced that it feels like a perfect introduction to the album, setting the tone for what’s to come. It’s a track that not only welcomes you into the world of “Suiteness” but also leaves you eager to explore the sonic wonders that Bloomfield Machine has to offer in the rest of the album.
The Normal Amount Of Pain:
“The Normal Amount of Pain” from Bloomfield Machine’s album “Suiteness” captivated me with its eerie yet soothing electronic landscape. I was drawn into the track’s complex atmosphere by its eerie, prolonged melody, which established a dark mood right away. There’s a palpable tension in the air, as if the music is attempting to understand the concept of suffering by wrangling with it. I was intrigued and frightened by the delicate balance that was achieved by the gentle introduction of percussion and the deep caress of bass, which together created a disturbing yet somehow comforting ambiance. The electronic-synth sounds that weave through the track only heightened this sensation, making the music feel as though it was both human and machine at the same time.
At around the 0:28 mark, the track truly begins to unfold, evolving into something more profound. The rhythm shifts, becoming more dynamic as a hip-hop-like drum beat enters, grounding the track while still maintaining its haunting quality. The interplay between the synth melodies and the eerie piano notes was mesmerizing, as if the music was slowly unraveling the layers of pain it had been holding onto. The way the song progressed was both hypnotic and incredibly emotional in my opinion; it seemed like every sound added to our comprehension of the complexity of pain—not just as an emotion, but also as an experience that is both unavoidable and transformational.
What I found most remarkable about “The Normal Amount of Pain” was its ability to convey such a wide range of emotions through its complex yet cohesive sound. The track’s consistency and flow were impeccable, with each element perfectly complementing the next. Despite its melancholic and gloomy aura, there was something deeply comforting about the music, as if it was acknowledging the pain but also offering a sense of resolution. The track didn’t just explore pain—it embodied it, making it feel almost tangible. This level of emotional depth and sonic craftsmanship is what sets Bloomfield Machine apart, and it left me in awe of the artist’s ability to create something so profound out of the seemingly simple concept of pain.
Symmetry Mistake:
I was instantly drawn in by the catchy beat and mesmerizing nature of “Symmetry Mistake” from Bloomfield Machine’s album “Suiteness.” I was captivated by the track’s complex rhythm from the outset since it found the ideal ratio between mellow piano melodies and funky drum sounds. Hip-hop and electronic components blended together in a new way that felt both inventive and incredibly fulfilling. The deep bass tones and gritty guitar fills gave a rich depth. Despite being slow pace, the beat had a distinct vitality and created a comfortable groove that engulfed me, luring me in to lose myself in its carefree atmosphere.
As the track progressed, I was mesmerized by how the sounds evolved so seamlessly into each other. The flute-like synth sounds that emerged added an ethereal layer to the already complex mix, elevating the track to new heights. The way Bloomfield Machine effortlessly blended grunge with electronic hip-hop was truly impressive, creating a sound that felt both fresh and nostalgic. I found myself completely absorbed in the track’s progression, as each new element added depth and richness, making the listening experience even more engaging.
What struck me most about “Symmetry Mistake” was its ability to marry complexity with simplicity in such a harmonious way. The track’s dynamic nature kept me on my toes, yet there was an underlying simplicity that made it incredibly accessible and welcoming. It’s this delicate balance that makes the track so spellbinding, drawing me back for repeated listens. The infectious aura and laid-back vibe of “Symmetry Mistake” left a lasting impression, showcasing Bloomfield Machine’s ability to craft music that is both deeply compelling and effortlessly enjoyable.
Misery Bond:
“Misery Bond” from Bloomfield Machine’s album “Suiteness” is a masterclass in blending genres to create something entirely unique. The track is a seamless fusion of electronic music, indie rock, and contemporary rock, each element coming together to form a cohesive and emotionally charged soundscape. As I listened, I was immediately struck by the ocean of emotions that this piece evokes, making it feel boundless and deeply immersive. The track opens with the subtle yet powerful presence of nature sounds, gently woven into the background, accompanied by hip-hop-like drum sensations that set a soothing yet reverberating tone. The entrance of soul-tingling guitar strings, serenading piano melodies, and heavy, shaky bass sounds further deepened the atmosphere, creating a soundscape that was both calming and intensely resonant.
At the 0:30 mark, “Misery Bond” evolves into something even more powerful, taking on a more intense and contemporary feel. The grungy guitar fills blended seamlessly with the calm yet intense drum beat, while the soothing piano melodies and thick bassy sounds added layers of depth to the track. This shift brought a rock-inspired progression that was slightly energetic, striking a perfect balance between hard and soft elements. The instrumentation moved gracefully, making the track even more engaging and pulling me deeper into its laid-back, cozy groove. The contemporary progression was astoundingly executed, creating a rhythm that was both gentle and gripping, with an undeniable charm that kept me hooked.
What makes “Misery Bond” truly phenomenal is its ability to maintain this intricate balance throughout the track. The mixture of blues rock sounds added a layer of warmth and familiarity, yet the overall composition felt fresh and innovative. This progressive rhythm carried me through the entire piece, leaving me in awe of its complexity and emotional depth. By the end of the song, I was left with a profound sense of having experienced something extraordinary—an unforgettable journey through sound and emotion that only Bloomfield Machine could craft.
Bloomfield Machine’s album “Suiteness” is more than simply an album; it’s a voyage through sound and emotion that speaks to listeners on a very intimate level. This album stands out in the world of indie and electronic music thanks to Kassan’s ability to merge genres, create complex soundscapes, and provoke a wide spectrum of emotions. “Suiteness” is a must-listen for everyone who appreciates deeply moving and thought-provoking music. Whether you want to play this album in the background as you go about your day or listen to it on headphones to truly enjoy every nuance, it will definitely leave an impression. I find that it reminds me of the uplifting, restorative, and bringing people together properties of music.
For more information about Bloomfield Machine, click on the icons below.
