BRANDTSON “Dial In Sounds”
This band is so underrated, it’s not even funny. Ever since I acquired their full-length, “Letterbox” a few years ago, I held this band as somewhat of a model of what “post-hardcore,” actually sounds like. No doubt, there’s plenty of elements of beautiful pop-rock within this band’s sound, but there’s also a very layered, thick vibe to it that takes some of the polish off. After their last release, an EP entitled “Trying to Figure Each Other Out,” I was disappointed with the spiffy production and somewhat neutered souned – however, it didn’t take long for this new release, “Dian In Sounds,” to restore my faith in this band. BRANDTSON attack with many weapons, and most obvious of the arsenal is the surging guitar sounds that give this band great depth. As a secondary level of force, this band shines in the lyrics department. The fifth track, “Cherokee Red,” really strikes a nerve with, “you traded me your secrets / I traded you all of mine / sometimes when I’m looking back now / I wish I could say I’m sorry / I’m thinking of me and you when things felt right.” Although the entire album proves that the greater sum of the record is stronger than any one particular part, the third song, “With Friends You,” soaks up this band’s heavier qualities. As that that tune ends on an aggressive note, BRANDTSON slip back into subtleties with the next track, “Some Kind of Jet Pilot.” Whereas their prior EP sounded almost stuffy as a credit to the very slick production style, “Dial In Sounds,” is much more rock and less pop – similar to what JIMMY EAT WORLD did between “Clarity” and “Bleed American.” As a finisher, the artwork on here is gorgeous and although vibrant, fits the feeling of the band really well. When a band can compliment their sound with such appropriate artwork, you know you’re in for something special. Do not pass this release up.
Deep Elm
