Released - 3/1/11
Label - Partisian Records
BLURB - So what do you get when combine the frontmen of three of the most popular indie folk / rock acts in the game? Middle Brother. This supergroup (if you want to call it) is a more than entertaining side project that's been created by members of Delta Spirit, Dawes and Deer Tick. Much like their full time gigs, the music each brings to Middle Brother is a blend of acoustic folk and indie rock. You can definitely hear some of the collaborative growing pains on the record (they have only been serious for less than a year), but the majority of the tracks are not only strong but impressive. And it's these powerful tracks that carry much of the weight for the dynamic debut of Middle Brother.
Rating - 7.5 out of 10
FULL STORY - If you can take away anything from this release - it should be that music is still fun. Imagine your in a slowly rising indie band that is just beginning to break into the mainstream. Some of your best friends are also in similar bands. You guys all tour with each other. Even when you're not touring or recording, you're all great friends and spend all of your free time hanging out with each other in southern California. And you're all in your 20's. That's the life. So - the next natural progression was to supplement the careers of the members of Deer Tick, Dawes and Delta Spirit with yet another fun and exciting project where they are surrounded with each other.
I saw first official show by Middle Brother last night in Williamsburg where they played to a sold out crowd. Middle Brother headlined, with Dawes and Deer Tick opening (I'm guessing Delta Spirit wasn't on the bill as they are a bigger headliner than Middle Brother - who knows?). But the show was more or less a four hour jam session / party. Band members and guests were constantly interchanging instruments and duties. It was one of those concerts that was great to see live - you could feel the energy and positive vibes spewing from the stage. Separated from the general atmosphere of the show, was the fact that everyone on stage was a top notch musician...so when you combine these two aspects, greatness generally ensues. As it does, for the most part, on the record.
After 'Daydreaming' slowly breezes by as the record's gentle opener, the second song 'Blue Eyes' makes you realize the potential of Middle Brother. 'Blue Eyes' is some kind of indie-rock / country experiment that really dazzles the ear drums. There is a vintage rock feel to the track as it oozes with character and credibility. The tempo is somewhat relaxed, but the group does a great job of ratcheting up the intensity and energy at all the right points. Perhaps the highlight of the track, are the raw vocals provided by Delta Spirit's Matt Vasquez. That guy could sing the dictionary and it would sound amazing.
In attempt to make sure you know who they are, Middle Brother's song, 'Middle Brother' is another standout. This track once again has a slightly country lean, but is augmented by the pace and tempo with which it is recorded. Guesting on the song is Johnny Corndawg, another indie-folk artist that adds yet another interesting dynamic to the group. 'Middle Brother' is a fun and catchy song that you can really listen to any time. It's also one of those songs that you can tell was fun to record as evidenced by some of the lyrics:
"I know my days are numbered but I'm bad at math. I got a dick so hard that a cat couldn't scratch."
'Portland' is probably my favorite track on the record. There's just something about it - it's so relaxing and mellow but is filled with substance. The track is completed with great hooks and melodies, both vocally and instrumentally. John Joesph McCauley's voice (of Deer Tick) also provides the perfect rough and abrasive edge to the song's generally gentle feel.
The first single, 'Me, Me, Me' as well as 'Someday' are also noteworthy tracks on the record, with the latter almost sounding like some kind of rock interpretation of 60's motown pop. But it's not all praise and congratulations for Middle Brother. There are several tracks that seem to dampen the mood and energy of the album. 'Thanks for Nothing,' 'Theater,' 'Wilderness,' and 'Blood and Guts' are all dreadfully slow and almost certainly warrant a 'skip ahead' when listening to the album. I know every song can't sound as incredible and dynamic as 'Someday,' but that doesn't mean they have to painfully slow and static. So with that being said, there are certainly more than enough high points on "Middle Brother" to recommend grabbing the album. It's definitely worth it.
Have a listen to 'Someday.'
Tracks
1.) Daydreaming
2.) Blue Eyes
3.) Thanks for Nothing
4.) Middle Brother
5.) Theater
6.) Portland
7.) Wilderness
8.) Me, Me, Me
9.) Someday
10.) Blood and Guts
11.) Mom and Dad
12.) Million Dollar Bill
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