Emerging from the vibrant Brooklyn music scene, Heavy June, the solo project of multi-talented musician Matt Bercik, delivers a refreshingly introspective and dynamic album with ‘Wonder Wheel’. A true labour of love, this release showcases Bercik’s wide-ranging skills, as he takes on everything from guitar and bass to vocals and production. Despite the album being crafted in the intimate confines of his Brooklyn apartment, ‘Wonder Wheel’ bursts with expansive sounds and themes, offering listeners a heartfelt exploration of life, love, and the changing seasons.
At its core, ‘Wonder Wheel’ captures the emotional ebb and flow of summer. The album’s lead track ‘Good For It’ exemplifies this sentiment, transforming winter’s introspective ideas into bright, sun-soaked melodies. Inspired by a mix of personal reflection and the carefree spirit of bands like Sublime, Bercik reworks earlier drafts into a cohesive narrative that mirrors the shifting nature of the seasons. Tracks like the humorously titled ‘Amp Repair’ take a more personal turn, born out of the frustration of malfunctioning equipment but evolving into a serene acoustic meditation.
There’s an undeniable sense of growth throughout the album- both in the artist and his sound. From breezy beats to lush, introspective lyrics, Bercik touches on themes of self-love, relationships, and finding peace amid life’s inevitable transitions. This sonic journey captures not only his personal evolution but also the universal experience of change, making ‘Wonder Wheel’ deeply relatable.
Heavy June’s sound draws inspiration from a range of artists, with tracks like ‘Brain Damage’ showcasing his skills of fusing this range in a highly original way. His influences range from the raw emotion of Radiohead, vibes from the SoCal punk scene, and the introspective depth of acts like Frank Ocean and Pinegrove. The result is a collection of songs that feel nostalgic yet fresh, as Bercik deftly intertwines different influences to create something uniquely his own.
With its dreamy soundscapes and reflective storytelling, ‘Wonder Wheel’ transports listeners to a place where music becomes a soundtrack to their own summer memories. As Bercik continues to carve out his space in the indie music scene, one thing is clear: ‘Wonder Wheel’ is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Heavy June and The Indie Grid is excited to see where it goes.
