|
Brax ‘s second release, March, demonstrates his adeptness with pop hooks
and intelligent lyrics, and showcases his strong, distinct vocals. The musicianship
on March is top-notch, starting with the band's foundation: drummer, Mike Bedard
(who also sings excellent backing vocals) and bassist, Ted Pence. Through melodic
counter-point and vintage, moody tones, Mark Huls creates buoyant guitar textures
that complement Brax's rhythm guitar.
Horn flourishes by Dan Trammell (trumpet), Kevin Malmgren (trombone) and Jason
Hicks (saxophone) add a unique dimension to the sound of the band, while Ben
Moore's tasteful organ pads and quirky keyboard runs complete the sonic picture.
Listeners find rock‘n’roll guitar riffs, modern grooves, singable
melodies, textural horn arrangements and harmonious vocals throughout.
Musically, Brax digs in.
Comparisons to proven artists are varied: U2, Dave Matthews Band, The Police,
Van Morrison, Radiohead, the list can go on.
Ultimately one realizes Brax is Brax.
It's passionate, literate pop songwriting with a little reggae, a little R&B
and a bit of jazz, some 80's arena-pop and a whole lotta rock‘n' roll.
Lyrically, Brax takes you there.
Whether eyeing a woman across a bar and trying to muster the courage to talk
to her by ordering "another pint of Guinness" (That Way Forever) or
taking the red-eye across the country to be with distant loved ones (Another
Planet), Brax sets a scene and brings the listener along.
Creature Unreal is an enthusiastic romp through emotional revelation, and in
Light Soldiers, the singer takes us onto the battlefield of self-examination,
where we are surrounded and asked to put our "love on the outside."
Bum's Rush rounds out the March EP by asking not to be ejected—perhaps
from the bar in That Way Forever, but certainly from the CD player.
|