Description

Bodega's new album was inspired by a book club. In the early months of 2020, the Brooklyn art-punk incendiaries gathered together with close friends to study the works of a wide range of philosophers. Passionate debates lasting long into the night became a regular occurrence, motivating the band to become as ideologically unified as the weighty tomes they were reading. "Broken Equipment" is Bodega's attempt to interrogate the external factors that make them who they are, propelling existential quandaries with tongue-in-cheek humour, highly personal lyrics, and irresistible grooves.

In the album's opening moments, vocalist Nikki Belfiglio urges listeners to "watch the thrown." She is joined by fellow founding member Bodega Ben, who details various ways his personality is constantly influenced, or 'thrown', by phenomena such as 'big rock ads' or 'the itch on my back.' This opening song - "Thrown" - serves as a thesis statement for the record's multi-faceted exploration of how ideology and identity are shaped, but never fixed.

Since Bodega's formation in 2016, Ben and Nikki (who previously played together in the band Bodega Bay) have experienced a rare meteoric rise. The duo double as filmmakers, earning acclaim for their 2020 erotic drama PVT Chat starring Peter Vack, Julia Fox, and other recognizable faces from the Safdie brothers' cinematic universe. When the pandemic forced them to hit pause, they used the opportunity to regroup with drummer/performance artist Tai Lee, bassist/philosophy professor Adam See, and lead guitarist Dan Ryan.

"Broken Equipment" was produced by Ben himself with Bobby Lewis, Bodega's NYC live sound mixer. The record was mixed by Bryce Goggin, whom the band sought out for his work with Pavement, and Adam Sachs (Wives).

Description

For decades the Portland has been an essential part of the Cambridge live music scene welcoming local, national and international acts of all genres and backgrounds to play in our dedicated 200 capacity venue space.

Whether you are in a band and are looking for a venue to hold your own gig or are looking for a modern space to hold a meeting or gathering we can cater for groups of all sizes and requirements.

We have a full in house PA system and lighting with experienced sound technicians available to make sure your event sounds and looks great. The venue also has it’s own full-service bar, air conditioning and ‘green room’ space.

For smaller events we have 2 separate bars and a courtyard garden that can be hired independently.

Due to the age of the building the Portland is not easily accessible by wheel chair but we will endeavour to provide any help we can. Generally entry to the venue and public bar is no problem.

129 Chesterton Road,

Cambridge,

Cambridgeshire,

England,

CB4 3BA.

01223 357 268