For The Bedspins, it’s all in good fun

By John Benson

The duo blends in several genres.

Looking like Depression-era hobos and sounding like old school Violent Femmes, local act The Bedspins are deconstructing musical sounds and styles in hopes of creating their own unique, yet uncomplicated, universe.

While the Girard-based duo — Don DiPiero (vocals, guitars, harmonica) and P.J. “Peege” Rosenburg (drums, backing vocals, slide whistle) — is admittedly influenced by British Invasion and early blues acts, it’s the mid-’80s underground scene (bands like the Femmes and the Dead Milkmen) that defines its own parameters.

“What I liked about the ’80s punk thing was the edginess of it and the pureness of it, where it was just real simple,” said DiPiero, a 1979 Girard High School graduate. “That’s another thing, we intentionally broke down our music to a very simple form. We’re not trying to make anything complicated, because I want it to be very catchy and quick.

“It’s a strumming guitar and a drum. It’s very different from what everyone else is doing today and that’s both good and bad for us. Some people say, ‘I don’t know, it’s different’ and other people seem to like that it is different.”

Formed four years ago, the alt, pop, country, folk and rock twosome is known for the harmony-driven, upbeat songs found on its debut album, “Oh No, It’s The Bedspins,” which came out last summer. The act recently released its sophomore effort, “Bring on the Endorsements,” which finds The Bedspins providing a tighter and more polished sound.

Tracks include the aggressive acoustic “Drive-By,” the electric “Mel Bay,” the whimsical “Kiss Me” and the somber blues song (and hidden track on the new album) “Ain’t No Reason.”

“Seriously, it’s more of an act than it is a rock band kind of thing,” DiPiero said. “We’re all about trying to have a really good time and everything is kind of upbeat and quick and fun. But it sort of has a punk feel to it. It’s rough around the edges and the songs are kind of poppy. There’s a hook to all of them.”

The Bedspins’ next local gig takes place March 21 at Cedars Lounge. Also on the bill are the Youngstown Tramps. Fans attending can expect plenty of new Bedspins material, along with a cover here and there. In the past the twosome has reworked material by Johnny Cash, The Cramps, David Bowie and Bob Seger.

“The entertainment value is definitely there,” DiPiero said. “We walk out on stage in cutoff bib overalls, and we’re just a ball of fun really in comparison to bands who come out real heavy and serious and all wrapped up in themselves.

“Again, we’re in cutoff overalls, so it’s pretty hard to be anything but fun.”