My family and I saw the New York City-based band BODEGA in concert back in July of 2022. They were opening for one of our favorite bands, Spoon, at one of our favorite places, Iowa City’s Englert Theatre. We’d never heard of them, but they were right up our alley, with their art rock and post-punk sound and stylings.
Even with everything BODEGA has going on, it’s hard not to focus on co-vocalist and percussionist Nikki Belfiglio. Standing in the middle of the stage next to all of her drums and equipment, Belfiglio plays with a dramatic flourish, and she’s got a great voice that’s well-suited to BODEGA’s sound. Everything Belfiglio brings to the band is on full display on “Weather Me,” the second track on their new album.
BODEGA released their fifth album, All Inside Aquarium, earlier this month. The band’s frontman and primary vocalist, Ben Hozie, says the album is an attempt to be more “melodic” and more of “a proper rock band.” “Weather Me” was an advance single from the new album, and it’s one of a few songs on the record to feature Belfiglio on lead vocals. Her description of what the song is about is fascinating, to say the least.
“This is a track about living in an information kaleidoscope full of everyday grievances alongside very real problems,” said Belfiglio. “If you don’t know who or what to prioritize, this kaleidoscope can fracture your everyday existence. You must stand strong and weather the current.” It’s a great metaphor, and the weather-themed music video drives it all home.
All Inside Aquarium is available at Bandcamp and streaming services, along with the rest of BODEGA’s music.
