Local Review: Disaster Management — Bright Shiny Futures

Disaster Management
Bright Shiny Futures
Applied Apathy
Street: 01.31.2025
Disaster Management = Heatmiser + The Psychedelic Furs

The debut EP from Disaster Management, Bright Shiny Futures seemed familiar the first moment I heard it. I got stuck on what it was and when it was, lost in the sounds and absent from the moment. After a minute or two, I finally decided to just let it play out; stop trying to place a finger on it and allow it to take me wherever it was gonna take me. 

The five tracks from this extended play release all fit well alongside one another, even when the vibes are different. It feels like the varying moods a human being might deal with in any given period of time. Opener “Idols” seems atmospheric with a touch of the ‘80s with poppy melodies, like the later recordings of Elliott Smith, think From a Basement on a Hill, mixed with The Church. It’s good.

The second track, “Under Wraps (Zealot),” has a different presence — there is more of an urgency, perhaps subdued rage, within its brief time stamp. It doesn’t feel at all out of place, though. I also enjoyed the EP’s third song, “What’s Coming.” The ominous lyrics and heavy tone are gripping, as it yanks you in and doesn’t let go. 

By the time the final track “Paper Boat” ended, I still wasn’t sure what the EP was turning over in my mind. It probably had something to do with the slight resemblances to the late, unconventionally great, Smith throughout, or the production similarities to some great post-punk, pre-alternative albums from the early ‘90s. 

Alas, I couldn’t nail it down, but it really doesn’t matter. All in all, Bright Shiny Futures  is its own thing, a good thing. A fun project with heart and a genuine approach. Ultimately, I enjoyed this album and think a lot of people likely would as well. —Billy Swartzfager


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