With 'Kludge' Pujol Demostrates That Mixing Deep Thoughts with Rock & Roll Can be 'A Crock That Works'

Many of you know what a huge fan I am of Pujol. He’s an artist who is physically based in Nashville, although his thoughts and ideas seem to span the universe- a modern day thinking man’s rocker if you will.

I first became acquainted with Puj (as he’s apparently known in smaller, probably more esoteric, circles) when his ‘Black Rabbit’ single appeared via Third Man Records. 

I began looking into (and collecting) his previous works, which were fairly extensive much to my surprise. He sings about real life problems I, and I think so many Americans-under-the-age-of-40 can probably relate to given the current state of our country/ economy/ environment/ etc., but it’s all packaged in these upbeat, punky, beach boys-esque tunes that just JAM so hard it’s easy to overlook the heavier messages often imparted. But that’s what I appreciate most about him- he’ll delve into these dark, more cosmic topics in such an honest and endearing way, you just can’t not love him.

‘United States of Being’ (one of the BEST albums of the past decade just so you know) hit me personally at a time in my life when I was on the heels of working through some issues similar to things he was exploring in his music. Lines like ‘we saw the same thing right at the same time too’ and ‘I must be consistent with what I believe in or I live a lie’ just really struck me, and stuck with me, and I’ve been a Pujol Proponent ever since. 

Needless to say, I’ve been eagerly anticipating ‘Kludge’, his sophomore follow up LP for some time now. Slated to be officially released May 20 ^th, all pre-orders come with an early download and I awoke to find my digital download from Saddle Creek this morning. Was fortunately able to load it up into my phone and have since been immersing myself in it throughout my work day. 

His first single from the album ‘Pitch Black’ is reportedly about ‘someone so alienated by contemporary language and communication he/she surveys old matinee movies on their lunch break and cries.’ Well that person might be crying but I’m rocking out- super catchy, standard Pujol wit. Lines ‘because this economic language to talk about God makes me wanna cram my head in a hole’ and ‘because I'm running out of reasons to trick myself into never ever building a home’ are true standouts and really exemplify the things I love hearing Pujol communicate about. 

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‘Circles’, his Record Store Day release, available on lizard-green vinyl showcases what Pujol and his boys do best- intense, frenetic shredding accompanied by considered, thoughtful observations of real life shit. 

Other initial standouts to me are~

‘Judas Booth’ which starts out (in a musical manner reminiscent of Kelley Stoltz to me) with the sadly awesome admition of ‘I’m getting back into the swing of things, I had a real bad year. I’ve been having trouble connecting with that funny feeling I might call God. But I think I did a real good job of convincing myself not to blow my brains out against the wall.’ I mean, seriously, who can’t relate to that? 

'Manufactured Crisis Control', a pit-inducing tune about the battles one can wage within oneself. 'I'm in a fist fight! a fist fight!'

The lovely and super sweet ode to his gal Friday and their bunnies, ‘Spooky Scary'. It might be written about another couple, but I've totally had similar thoughts about my own man and our little zoo. And ultimately, my personal goal is to make enough money ('I'm made of money!') to afford to stay home (or not) and enjoy my time on this earth so can totally relate to 'I just want to make enough bread to get to lay in bed'. 

Also 'Youniverse', another prime example of Pujol's wonderfully weird way of blending punk, beach rock, love and universal leanings. 'I want to spend some of my time with you because I know I'm going to die and that you will die too'. 

So go. Get your Kludge on. And be sure to catch Daniel and his boys on one of their upcoming tour dates:

	May 22	Golden Tea House	Philadelphia, PA
	May 23	Death By Audio	Brooklyn, NY
	May 24	Mercury Lounge	New York, NY
	May 25	Happy Dog	Cleveland, OH
	May 26	PJ'S LAGERHOUSE	Detroit, MI
	May 27	Elastic	Chicago, IL
	May 28	MOTR w/ Swearin'	Cincinnati, OH
	May 29	The Pyramid Scheme	Grand Rapids, MI
	May 30	MAJESTIC THEATER	Madison, WI
	May 31	7th St Entry	Minneapolis, MN
	Jun 03	Chop Suey	Seattle, WA
	Jun 04	Star Theater	Portland, OR
	Jun 06	Bottom Of The Hill	San Fran, CA
	Jun 07	The Echo	Los Angeles, CA
	Jun 08	Pub Rock	Scottsdale, AZ
	Jun 10	Larimer Lounge	Denver, CO (YAY!)
	Jun 11	BOTTLENECK	Lawrence, KS
	Jun 12	The Demo	St Louis, MO
	Jun 13	Zanzabar	Louisville, KY
	Jul 17	Exit/In	Nashville, TN