Bendigo Fletcher - Two Things at Once - album review

By Olivia Kendall.

Music has the power to touch our hearts in ways we don’t always expect. ‘Two Things at Once’, Bendigo Fletcher’s sophomore album, has been an oasis from the rabble and stress for me recently. The band, hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, dabbling in a blend of folk, country, rock, and even some psychedelia has provided listeners with a much-needed shoulder to lean on in this turbulent world. 

Each song from this album brings an insight into the experience of Ryan Anderson, the lead vocalist for the band. I feel like everyone will be able to relate to some of Anderson’s thoughts and musings within ‘Two Things at Once’.

The album opens with the wonderful single ‘Upcountry Lemonade’. For me, this song encompasses existential thoughts that many will know. It opens with the lyrics “Fake my death, make up a reason to call it all off” – having more time to do everything you enjoy would be helpful, right? The desire to run away from your job and responsibilities, to find yourself and answer all the questions you never had time to think about. It encompasses the urge to not be on autopilot, but to truly be in the moment and living. ‘Tough Season’ follows the opening track with a bouncy, upbeat sound which welcomes in the feeling of spring. Despite this, the lyrics bring forth a feeling of bittersweetness – reminiscent of moving on after loss.

Later on, ‘Real 2 Me’ brings a lovely ambiance that reminds me of songs you would play while sat by a campfire, surrounded by the abundance of nature – the song fades out with the harmonious sound of animals in the forest. The following song ‘Sweet Tooth’, which was released as the album’s second single, has a very different feel to it; being a commentary on modern capitalism and the cycle of ‘the grind’ – however, the song’s upbeat nature makes you feel that despite the struggle, there are many things in the world to be grateful for and celebrate, like the love we have for the people closest to us.

The penultimate song, ‘2 Things at Once’ brings a more rugged flair on board. I can hear the influence of psychedelic rock here, and its appearance really strengthens the record’s diversity. The brilliant ‘Rental Skates’ rounds off the album – starting off as quieter and unassuming, the unexpected change about two minutes in really solidified it as my favourite on ‘Two Things at Once’. I am reminded of the closing song for a movie, where everything comes together as intended and the credits begin to roll. ‘Rental Skates’ is definitely an earworm; the chorus can’t seem to find its way out of my head.

‘Two Things at Once’ is a journey I would partake over and over, and it is simply a shame I won’t be able to hear some of these songs for the first time again. It is the perfect album for self-reflection, and really suits its springtime release as much of the songs cover themes of growth and coming-of-age.