Gaining inspiration from the Pixies and channeling acts such as Sunny Day Real Estate and Clarity-era Jimmy Eat World, The Brother Whys make music that can best be described as emo, before that label became a dirty word. Borrowing the much-maligned genre’s penchant for heartfelt lyrics and merging these words with infectious melodies, The Brother Whys produce a sound that would be just as at home in 1995 as it is today.
Although I Wrote This With Our Bare Hands is the band’s debut album, the group proves it is already adept at crafting songs that function as part of a cohesive whole without ever becoming repetitive. While several songs are blended together seamlessly with instrumental segues, each track still manages to maintain a distinct identity with the help of unique touches – like the instantly memorable guitar solo in “River Black” and the well-placed handclap (I’m a sucker for those) on “Friend You Can.”
This type of ear-pleasing variety is extends throughout the album – from the alt-country leaning “Run! Don’t Walk” to the stripped-down “Song From Humboldt Park” to the slow-burning “Telephone” (which boasts a wistful hook that is so captivating I can’t shake it from my head several days later).
Even on more traditional, uptempo cuts (“Big Teeth,” Working Son”) lead vocalist Tom Riordan’s plaintive (but never grating) voice instills lyrics such as “With books and pens / I journalized your sins” with the subdued energy and emotion of someone who is worn-thin, but not yet worn out.
Although backup vocalist/percussionist Kelly Turner is often relegated to a supporting role, on the piano-driven closer “Acid Rain,” Turner uses her smooth alto to beautifully belie the caustic nature of lyrics such as “I’m not sorry it hurt. / I’m not sorry I meant it. / I’m not sorry I poured / Acid rain on your parade.”
Despite the persistent themes of failed relationships, lost youth and misplaced trust, this album does not aim to depress. Instead, as exemplified on album opener “Thumbtacks” (featuring another Turner-anchored chorus) the jangling tambourines, electronic blips and thumping drum beats never fail to keep the listener immersed in catchy, feel-good harmonies.
All in all, the songs on “I Wrote This With Our Bare Hands” are the kind you might include on a mixtape for your girl/boyfriend – if you wanted to break up with them and still put a smile on their face.
NOTE: The Brother Whys are holding its album release show this Friday, March 28 at The Iron Post. The concert starts at 9 and also features Lucky Mulholland and Brandon T. Washington.
