Bug Crusher is the coy smirk of a solo project from Toronto musician Julia Wittmann (she/ they). Best known as the co-frontman of Dilettante and bassist of Breeze, Wittmann has also been cutting her teeth as a performing member of bands including Ducks Ltd, CJ Wiley, and Praises. The debut EP Bad Winner is a showcase of Wittmann’s ability as writer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and mixer.
The songs angst with tensions surrounding romance, sex, and self-criticism. Recurring shoutouts to “mom and dad” convey a dark reflective humour and self-inflated brandishes such as “I’m a winner” and “I’m a star” are undermined by big-sigh melancholy and quietly sarcastic revelations. The themes are grounded by gritty, bouncing bass riffs and straight-forward, dancey drum patterns. Guitar leads cut and cruise with the spirit of St Vincent over top rhythms that groove toward the altar of the Talking Heads. Cool but dramatic, Wittmann delivers her vocal lines as if embodying some Damon Albarn/ Jarvis Cocker lab experiment. Subtle textures and calculated sound effects (and the occasional lyric) hint towards Wittmann’s other life as a sound designer for radio documentaries and podcasts.
Bug Crusher largely lives underground, though Wittmann is contemplating future live performances. Email juliaawittmann@gmail.com to inquire.