Words: Ryan Getz
My Brothers and I have been touted as a soul band, but I see them as something different. They pack a punch in their own, subtle way.
“I don’t have anywhere to run,” the singer laments in “Nowhere to Run.” This song is an exemplary method of showing the “more than a soul band” thesis I opened this review with. The vocals are on point and full of depth, yet the band meanders alongside slowly but surely with some well placed guitar licks that seem to be echoing the emotion in the lyrics. “Na Na Na” takes us down a path that is neither carefree nor pessimistic. Just thoughtful. The mood set in the hook gives me a feeling of “Oh, well. It will be alright in the end.” “Mistakes” is yet another thoughtful tune that is pensive yet groovy. Sense a theme yet?
Other tracks take a more straightforward pop rock approach. “Waiting For” hearkens to Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness with its steady rhythm and piano driven melody at the forefront of the song. Some soul still emerges with some subtle vocal gymnastics that are well placed and not indulgent. “Stay Here” is another highlight in this vein, which concludes in some crunchy guitar riffs mixed in just right.
It’s worth nothing that these guys have all known each other since childhood – whether it be as family or friends in the schoolyard. The mere fact that these guys are in a band is remarkable. Life in a band is one of the most intimate things one can do – and intimacy has threatened close friendships in the past. Indeed, the – ahem – brotherhood of My Brothers and I (that pun was unintentional, I swear) shines through in the apparent chemistry of the guys. There’s a genuine spirit that is undeniable, I think.
This is good music for enjoying on a sunny fall afternoon, which is precisely the scenario I find myself in at this moment. If you want something very energetic, this probably isn’t the release for you. But, I encourage to settle in for what will likely be an under the radar release for the fall.
Regarding that last sentence, I hope I’m wrong.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/213487805″/]
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