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.

While most students were either packing their bags in anticipation of spring break or starting to transition from Happy Hour to a full night at the bars, Snowsera and The Brother Whys entertained a small crowd at the Illini Union Courtyard Café.

Leading off the free show was The Brother Whys, a band whose unusual name I had already heard, but not its music. Therefore, I was a bit apprehensive as the six members crammed onto the tiny Courtyard platform and lead vocalist/guitarist Tom Riordan repeatedly invited everyone to cozy up to the stage (winning line: “We’re not an orchestra!”). However, fears of bleeding ears soon subsided after the opening strains of “Big Teeth” – as the myriad of instruments combined to produce a warm, mid-90s era sound that, like the stage, was full but not cluttered.

From this starting point, the crowd was treated to a robust 11 song set that provided all the time I needed to fall in love with the group. In a little under an hour, the group blazed through a set list that included the entirety of its upcoming debut album (to be released March 28th at The Iron Post) along with a faithful cover of the Pixies’ classic “Where Is My Mind?” – with Kelly Turner’s sweet vocal harmonizing replacing the haunting echoes of the original. Featuring hazy, meandering melodies punctuated by Riordan’s introspective lyrics, The Brother Whys pull off an impressive feat: making music that is both emotional without sounding whiny and bursting with energy without having to blow out amps.

Set List (provided by The Brother Whys)

Big Teeth
Run! Don’t Walk
River Black
Telephone
Friend You Can
Song From Humboldt Park
Working Son
Charts And Maps
Acid Rain
Where Is My Mind? (Pixies cover)
Thumbtacks

Next to inhabit the tight stage quarters were Snowsera, an alternative rock quartet that is quickly distancing itself from the other student bands attempting to make a splash in the local music scene. Just nominated for a Local Music Award (in the category of Best New Artist) and fresh off the release of their self-titled EP, Snowsera put on a performance that suggested the group are already seasoned veterans. Anchored by Bill Arteaga’s pitch-perfect live singing voice and drummer Jeff Wagner’s limitless talent and energy behind the kits, the band came across as professional and, well, flat-out good. (Incidentally, Wagner also filled in on drums for The Brother Whys, whose songs, ironically, proved to be a better showcase of his ability than his own band’s material.)

Aside from a few failed attempts to spark conversations about spring break plans, the members of Snowsera wisely let their music speak for itself. Beginning with two new offerings in the same vein as those found on its EP, the group continued with one of that release’s standout tracks, “Trends” – a burst of danceable pop-rock with deceptively biting lyrics. After hearing another batch of newer material, about the only complaint that can be raised against Snowsera is the lack of variation among its songs; however, this criticism can almost be ignored solely on the basis of how well the band does what it does. Following the slower, bass-driven “Charity,” the set ended with the superb one-two punch of catchy single “So Subtle” and faster, harder-edged new cut “History.” Don’t worry if you missed out on this show – the next chance to catch them is at the Canopy Club on March 27.

Set List (provided by Snowsera)

Who Else Would We Run To?
What You Will
Twenty-Four (EP)
Trends (EP)
Too
Perennials
Safe
Charity (EP)
So Subtle (EP)
History

Summary Limmerick:
There is nothing better than free shows.
If I were Mya I would love them like, whoa.
The Brother Whys
Were a nice surprise.
And Snowsera rocked out like old pros.