While an album that delves into mental illness—and features a title track inspired by drinking alone to the brink of unconsciousness—might suggest a darker tone, Tidal Volume’s Bedroom Blackout offers a surprisingly uplifting experience.
Throughout its 12 tracks, the album certainly captures heartache and sorrow. Yet it also evokes the charm of a gas station soda fountain and the opportunities it presents for a bit of rebellious indulgence; it pays homage to iconic fictional characters in American culture, from Thomas A. Anderson to Rick Blaine and Peggy Hill; and culminates in a joyous celebration of “singing songs with my friends ’til the tape runs out,” right before it does. Despite an ever-present sense of isolation and anxiety that threads through the album, singer-songwriter and guitarist Zach Sullentrup manages to highlight the whimsical and absurd aspects of contemporary life.
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“As an artist, I’m fascinated by finding humor in sadness and exploring the sadness within humor,” Sullentrup shares. “I feel like I’m perpetually pursuing that duality in my writing.”
Scheduled for physical release on April 25 at the aptly named Bedroom Blackout Ball at Off Broadway, Bedroom Blackout marks the second full-length album from the well-established St. Louis band, encapsulating their journey since their last release, 2022’s Rewrite the Bad Parts. Although they remain an indie-rock band with a flair for grand melodies, Tidal Volume’s core songwriting duo of Sullentrup and keyboardist Will Minard have drawn inspiration from blues and country this time. Sullentrup even took the time to learn the pedal steel guitar.
“I love the sound and wanted to find ways to incorporate it into our music, even though we aren’t strictly a country band,” Sullentrup explains. “I’ve always been drawn to classic Americana songwriting.”
Bedroom Blackout is the first album to feature drummer Mike Caraffa and bassist Tom O’Connor, who joined the lineup in 2023. Recorded by Jason McEntire at Sawhorse Studios in St. Louis over several years, the album highlights the joyful interplay between Sullentrup’s guitar and Minard’s synth and keyboard lines, which often work in unison or serve as captivating counterpoints to each other.
“Tightness,” a standout single from the album, exemplifies this dynamic. Stretching nearly seven minutes—a departure from the band’s usual pop structure—Minard’s bright piano melody contrasts with Sullentrup’s melancholic pedal steel, while the lyrics explore the anxiety woven throughout the album: “I’m too blessed to be depressed / Explain the tightness in my chest / I’m too depressed to feel stressed / Save for the tightness in my chest.” Just beyond the midpoint, the track transitions into a bridge/outro that erupts into a blend of electric guitar and pounding drums, with Minard’s keys and O’Connor’s bass holding the chaos together.
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“I wanted the sound to reflect what a panic attack feels like to me,” Sullentrup clarifies. “Some listeners have told me they get that feeling from the song, and while I apologize, that was indeed the intent.”
In stark contrast is the title track, “Bedroom Blackout,” which is a brisk 1 minute and 48 seconds long. This catchy track touches on the protagonist’s stress but finds solace in “counting cans in my room ’til I just pass out,” steering the listener away from their own mental health struggles. This tension between opposing themes runs throughout the album, keeping the tracks diverse while exploring similar topics.
During the Bedroom Blackout Ball, Sullentrup and the band plan to perform the entire new album, followed by a selection of fan favorites. They’ll share the stage with fellow St. Louis artists After Wednesday, Groves, and Front Flip (of which Sullentrup is also a member). Attendees are encouraged to dress in either pajamas or formal wear for the occasion.
“We’ve curated an exciting lineup of local bands to showcase the talent in St. Louis, which is a key part of what we want to achieve with the show,” Sullentrup mentions. “It’s a celebration of local music.”
Beyond the debut show of the album, Sullentrup passionately urges fans to support the broader music scene in the city.
“There’s a wealth of great music happening in St. Louis, often at shows that don’t attract large crowds,” Sullentrup says. “If you’re frustrated with Ticketmaster prices, consider attending local venues that aren’t affiliated with them, and invest your money in your community and the artists within it. There’s immense talent in St. Louis.”
