P.J.M. Bond’s “The Battler” is a mesmerizing track that serves as the focal point of his debut album, “In Our Time.” This ambitious project draws inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s iconic short-story collection of the same name, published in 1925. “The Battler” itself carries a dark and moody atmosphere, reminiscent of the raunchy tracks by Iron & Wine. The song features the evocative lap steel guitar by Theo Sieben, with pianos, finger-picked acoustic guitars, and harmony vocals all skillfully performed by P.J.M. Bond, reflecting his multi-instrumental talents.
The song’s lyrics transport the listener to the rugged backwoods of the Michigan forest, a place frequented by Hemingway himself. The composition artfully captures the essence of the short story, creating a musical narrative that aligns seamlessly with the literary work.
“In Our Time” is a remarkable album that serves as a musical journey through the little universes created by Hemingway’s short stories. P.J.M. Bond’s versatility as a multi-instrumentalist is on full display, with him handling various instruments, including guitar, piano, flute, jew harp, blues harp, and organ. To further enhance the album’s sonic quality, Bond collaborated with Ed Brooks, a mastering engineer known for his work with renowned artists like Fleet Foxes, R.E.M., and Pearl Jam.
P.J.M. Bond’s journey to create “In Our Time” began with a dream of producing a musical album inspired by a literary work. After earning an MA in English Literature from the University of Amsterdam and writing his thesis on Hemingway’s work, he attended the Hemingway Conference in Paris in 2018. It was there that he was reintroduced to Hemingway’s debut short-story collection, “In Our Time.” Bond’s realization of the short story’s suitability for songwriting paved the way for the project.
The album was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Bond started with rough ideas and then wrote an entire album based on Hemingway’s short stories. He isolated himself in a log cabin to record the songs, immersing himself in the literary work that served as both a guide and a constraint. Bond’s artistic journey was further enriched by acclaimed Hemingway scholar J. Gerald Kennedy, who recognized the brilliance of the album and its ability to evoke the beauty of Hemingway’s prose.
P.J.M. Bond’s musical background includes his work with the band Dandelion, as well as a solo EP titled “Sunset Blues,” released in 2021, which garnered international acclaim. His debut album, “In Our Time,” showcases his unique vision and the marriage of music and literature, making it a significant and exceptional project that celebrates the works of his favorite American author. The album’s acoustic and intimate sound, inspired by folk legends like Iron & Wine and James Taylor, serves as an emotive and faithful tribute to the worlds created by Ernest Hemingway.