Friday, 31 December 2021

The Brandy Alexanders - The Brandy Alexanders

 

Windsor Ontario is the hove of the quintet, The Brandy Alexanders who offer a compelling version of gentle Psych Pop Rock. In a way, the self titled album is an ideal fit for listeners who have become with Tame Impala since Kevin Wilson turned to mediocre Stadium Rock.

This debut has had an interesting history. Initially an EP in 2016, then withdrawn when the band signed to Gypsy Soul Records. Four extra tracks have been recorded and added and the result is an absolute blinder of an album.

The songs are generally demoed by brothers, Alex And Daniel Dick, then brought to the band. Comparisons aren't easy, Alex's vocal isn't one that you naturally associate with Psych. It provides a real Pop sensibility that helps turn the direction of songs.




Anastasia, for instance, is really beat driven, Pop Rock at times, but still feels more like Prog Pop. IDK What I'm Trying To Do edges towards Classic Rock, yet Shiram is splendid Psych Pop. Hey Why'd You Do It is even balladesque until it breaks out.

Rear Window is great Pop, an absolute ball of catchiness, while Conventional Lie is meandering 60's laidback Psych of the highest order. Live By The Light even ventures into Funk. But is the opening and closing bookends that show the band's variety most.

Ceiling Fan, Man rocks the album in, probably the loudest the band get, SpaceOpus is a moody enthralling with a top notch Guitar solo that ends a fine album. There is so much to like here underlining how great Psych can be when it is melodic and doesn't disappear too far up its own behind.




You can listen to and buy the album everywhere. You can find out more about The Brandy Alexanders here.


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