Bed & Bugs largely kills off punk-rock rigor in favor of melodic flexibility. As such, Obits takes some critical steps toward asserting its own identity apart from Froberg’s other musical excursions.
In the hands of any other group, the genre-flipping schematic for Bed & Bugs would have come off confusing or bewildering. Seasoned pros that they are, however, Obits seem unconcerned with anything except the moment at hand, and sell the songs accordingly.
Obits is a great band that has yet to make a great record. Bed & Bugs is uneven, bewildering and about four songs too long—but I don’t think these dudes would have it any other way.
Mainman Rick Froberg might be midway through his fifth decade, but he and his cohorts can still make one hell of a racket.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Words that, seemingly, the four members of Obits live by when the time comes to begin crafting a new LP.
The music adheres to the time honoured indie rock principals of propulsive aggression and reckless abandon.