BODAGGIT – Chemical Solution for a Spiritual Problem (2025)
Should you take an inclination toward the sounds of Weezer, The Thermals and Thin Lizzy, the chances are you might be interested in BODAGGIT. Already establishing themselves in the DIY scene of Lexington, Kentucky, the band captures hearts with an almighty thwack of vintage rock. Self-described to “keep on rocking in the free world and shred ‘til you’re dead”, BODAGGIT can win your heart with mosh-pit madness, whether at an energetic live show or blasting through your speakers.
A fan of Weezer, Wheatus, and Blink 182, I was eager to hear the sounds of yesteryear’s pop-rock/power-pop music to bring back nostalgic memories. Following BODAGGIT’s well-received singles ‘Skeleton Life / Boy Dinner’, the group release their 8-track album, Chemical Solution for a Spiritual Problem… and well, it’s not entirely power-pop warm fuzzies.
Opening with ‘Skeleton Life’, BODAGGIT hit us immediately with crashing drums, a bold bass and scorching guitars, introducing the lads as a hard-hitting band not to be trifled with. Shifting to ‘I Could Cry’, BODAGGIT keep the heaviness of the pounding arrangement; however, a hint of grunge-inspired distortion makes each instrument seemingly slide across each other instead of melding together in the kaleidoscopic swirl of music we originally heard.
For me, Nirvana-style grunge continues in ‘Texas Names’ with a grating obscurity, like walking through the hazy mire of creepiness; however, the shift from down and tragic to crazy and manic clips in as ‘Disco Shithole (First Blood, Pt II)’ grabs your heart, tosses you from pillar to post, and sends you whirling about in a rush of metal-inspired insanity.
Unlike the eye of the storm, where a person finds solace and calm, BODAGGIT push you further down the rabbit hole with Chemical Solution for a Spiritual Problem. As the album progresses, BODAGGIT add heavier, weightier, harder blips of music in each single from ‘Boy Dinner’ to ‘Mean Creek’. Interestingly, while the band has a signature of breathing life into yesteryear’s music, their influence wavers from 90s pop-rock and metal to 70s classic and hard rock.
So, the thought of Weezer and The Thermals leaned toward a power-pop realm; however, BODAGGIT is more than just a power-pop band, and it all shows in the raw Chemical Solution for a Spiritual Problem. In fact, while ‘End’ peeks with a ‘Buddy Holly’ vibe, this is only a sliver of cheeriness entwined in the darker melody.
What is my overall opinion of Chemical Solution for a Spiritual Problem? In this case, BODAGGIT’s album oozes kaleidoscopic balm across existential issues, like taking a sip of those all-cure medicines then sitting back as it soothes everything from heartache and despair to empowerment and optimism. Of course, it’s not a literal chemical solution, more of relief through the power of music. Choosing a favourite track is difficult, but I have to lean toward the final song, ‘Mean Creek’. It leads you out with classic rock flair, making the chemical solution end with a flourish.
Find out more about BODAGGIT on their Instagram and Spotify.
