Bryan Estepa - Adeline (The Early Years)

 

Bryan Estepa is someone who has long been admired by us. In previous reviews, I've remarked on his ability to master both Guitar Pop and Alt Country. well here is another adventure that will be new to people. Before recording under his own name, his solo recordings were under the name Adeline.

Seven of the eight recordings are from that 2000 - 2004 period, primarily recorded at Glebe Studios in May 2003. The talent is obviously there. Even though these recordings have been remastered, the big production associated with Estepa isn't present, but the rawness adds something different and just as satisfying.

Again both sides of the man are present. The Americana of Never Be The Same, a weeping beauty of a song, contrasts with the wonderfully up and at 'em Pop Rock of Slip Slowly. The latter is a great lost crackerjack that deserves to be listened to again and again.

Getting On, recorded in 2001, is a fine Acoustic, almost campfire, joy, whilst Better Days is almost in Glen Campbell territory. Start Again is wonderful with its Organ run accompanying a hypnotic jangle and slight Country Twang.

The real stand out is the closer, Saved. Recorded with some of the musicians of the time in 2021. It is a song from 2004 that was never recorded. Not only does it benefit from updated recording techniques, it also shows the rockier side of Estepa.

It develops from a looser, almost Stones feel, to a big Pop Rock affair that raids the instrument cupboard and includes a ripping Guitar Solo. The song is as good as any that Estepa has written and performed and there can be no greater compliment.

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2019 : Top 10

01 Norman - Buzz And Fade       IDHAS Review







02 Ulysses - On Safari       IDHAS Review

03 Nick Frater - Full Fathom Freight-Train       IDHAS Review








04 Mansion Harlots - All Around A Fairground       IDHAS Review

05 Bryan Estepa - Sometimes I Just Don't Know       IDHAS Review








06 The Junior League - Adventureland       IDHAS Review









07 The Brothers Steve - #1        IDHAS Review

08 The Armoires - Zibaldone        IDHAS Review








09 Ben Vogel - Whistling After Midnight        IDHAS Review








10 Pernice Brothers - Spread The Feeling       IDHAS Review







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Bryan Estepa - Sometimes I Just Don't Know

As I've said previously, Bryan Estepa does both Power Pop and Alt Country in equal measure and masters both equally well. It just surprises me that he is so known for the Alt Country, that the Guitar Pop gets neglected.

Well, this is the album to change all that. This is the Australian Singer Songwriter's Guitar Pop album and it rocks suitability. This is a proper band album and it shows that he's played with them for seven years. Put simply, this album is fantastic and what this sluggish year has been waiting for.







Aided by a killer lead single, the album opener that is I'm Not Ready For This. Fellow, underrated Aussie, Michael Carpenter is present too on the Starsailor like, Rattled And Roll, But all ten songs, the pace rarely lets up.

A slower song such as the mini Torch Ballad, Granted allow you to admire Estepa's versatility and talent, but only put a temporary hold on the Guitar volley that's to come. Alt Country is on the back burner, only really Valleys giving a hint f what is around from the past.







Highlights are too many to single out, any of the 10 songs could be mentioned to extol the strength of Sometimes I Just Don't Know.  No Ordinary is a personal favourite, but that may be because I've advance listening of I'm Not Ready For This for a while.

It's really hard to think of only three songs to embed in this post, so I'd suggest you listen to the whole thing and then open your purse. This is gonna take some beating in the IDHAS End Of Year Chart, I can't see much that will beat it at present.







You can listen to and buy the album here.



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Bryan Estepa And The Tempe Two - Every Little Thing

Over the past couple of weeks, a couple of people had recommended Bryan Estepa's new album, Every Little Thing, My ears pricked up when Daniel Wylie, someone who is usually spot on, was singing it's praises.

I'm pleased to say all were right, it's a great listen. For his fifth album, Sydney's Estepa provides a much more varied album than you think that gentle melodic voice could. It's the quality of his songwriting that provides that variation.

Just as artists get pigeonholed, so do countries. Australia is supposed to be all Power Pop and Big Rock, whilst New Zealand provides the calm and melody. Well this Australian has made a New Zealand album if that rings true.

The Stand Out Song is Empty Handed which after is really up tempo and the chorus unexpectedly Power Pop. It's a great great song.






Bryan Estepa gets compared to Neil Finn and we are told he's Alt Country, He's neither, but both and never what you expect. I can hear Elliott Smith, but my main thoughts are David Gates' 1973 debut solo album.

Object Of My Disaffection is the nearest you'll get to Neil Finn, whilst Headlights shows his voice off best, a real slow pleasant groove. At Least You Know reminds me of Simon And Garfunkel.

The Country feel is there on the splendid opener, Think Of You, but even that bursts into a soaring close.





I played this last night and then again this a morning. It's definitely a get into the day album and the world will seem that much calmer after it. I'm a bit ashamed that I haven't listened to any of his stuff before this, because this is an album that others could try and would fail, because it would be too mellow.

Bryan's songs ensure that it isn't and that's his asset. His voice can sing those variations and so never feels samey. An uplifting album and there aren't too many of those around.

You can listen to and then buy the album for Download or on CD here.

I know I bang on about buying physical product, but this is definitely an album for the journey into the work. The added bonus is that when you pull up in the Car Park with it on, you'll impress all your friends with your musical taste.