# Bodega's 'All Inside Aquarium' is proper rock without indie label

> Bodega's new album 'All Inside Aquarium' rejects 'post-punk' and indie labels for 'proper rock' with melodic depth.
- Title: Bodega's 'All Inside Aquarium' is proper rock without indie…
- Summary: Bodega's new album 'All Inside Aquarium' rejects 'post-punk' and indie labels for 'proper rock' with melodic depth. Bodega released their fourth album 'All…
- Keywords: bodega, all inside aquarium, proper rock, rock music, leeds, geese, ed sheeran, macklemore, indie rock, post-punk, literary world, weather me
- Source: NME — https://nme.com/news/music/bodega-interview-new-album-all-inside-aquarium-interview-proper-rock-geese-3972514
- Published: 2026-10-09T13:20:51+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: bodega, all inside aquarium, proper rock, rock music, leeds, geese, ed sheeran, macklemore, indie rock, post-punk, literary world, weather me
## Bodega release new album
Bodega released their fourth full-length album 'All Inside Aquarium' today (Friday October 9) following 2024's 'Our Brand Could Be Yr Life'.
## Album produced in Leeds
The record was produced in Leeds with frontman Ben Hozie describing 'Literary World' as 'one of the most didactic songs in our repertoire'.
## Bodega's rock identity
Bodega reject the 'post-punk' label, calling themselves a 'conceptual rock band' without the 'indie' modifier.
## Album's melodic approach
The album features recent singles 'Weather Me', 'Pick Up The Check', and 'Literary World' with a focus on psychological themes.
## Rock as existential anthem
Bodega describe the title track as their 'attempt at an existential anthem' with melodic rock elements.
## No political critique
Bodega avoid didactic social critique songs, focusing instead on psychological writing and personal growth.
## Ed Sheeran-Macklemore saga
Bodega criticize Ed Sheeran for 'platitude-ridden lyrics' that betray a sycophantic worldview focused on power and capital.
## Geese's success
Bodega express excitement seeing fellow New Yorkers Geese gain recognition similar to past generations for The Smiths or Radiohead.
## Psyop allegations
Bodega link Geese's 'psyop' allegations to misinformation and AI, arguing tech manipulation is a larger issue than Geese-gate.
## Recording in Leeds
Bodega recorded the album in Leeds with producer Matt Peel at the Nave studio, a deconsecrated church.
## Leeds music scene
Bodega cite Leeds art punk legacy including Gang Of Four, Delta 5, and The Mekons as influences.
## Seasonal recording impact
Bodega recorded songs in winter and summer, creating contrast between euphoric summer jams and introspective ballads.
## Bodega's tour plans
Bodega will play headline shows in Manchester, London, and Leeds next month following the album release.
## Bodega's parting wisdom
Bodega's final message: 'The mirror smiles back if you smile first.'

> The mirror smiles back if you smile first.
## Key takeaway

Bodega released their fourth album 'All Inside Aquarium' as a 'proper rock' effort without indie modifiers, focusing on melodic, psychological themes.