Album Review
Jonathan Brenner’s “Instagram Success” LP
Filled with the sort of earthy tonality that some would just as soon come from an uncompromisingly passionate live performance in a quaint venue somewhere, the guitar parts that are fired at us from start to finish in Jonathan Brenner’s Instagram Success are perhaps the most charming element to behold in this second album from the singer/songwriter, but they’re not the only component vital to the creation of the record’s one-of-a-kind harmonies.
With the help of a potent vocal from Brenner, these strings will form a boldly colorful melodicism unmatched in his first album, whether it be in “It’s a Dyin’ Art” and “Key to My Heart” or deeper cuts like “Hangin’ on the Edge over You” and “Silly Little Habit,” it’s as strong an entity as they come. This is a player who makes communication feel like more of an art form than it has for a long time in pop music, and more than a couple of critics are making note of it.
I love the production quality here, especially with regards to intricately melodic songs like “Not Gettin’ Drunk, Not Gettin’ High,” “Ride That Money Train,” and “The Balla of Orson Jones,” but I can’t say that all of these tracks wouldn’t sound even better in a live setting than they do in this capacity. There’s no dispute as to whether or not the bones of the aforementioned compositions could withstand the pressure of a stage environment; contrarily, I get the impression that they were designed specifically with the energy that an audience’s emotional reaction in mind.
Brenner has the energy of an old-fashioned troubadour in Instagram Success, and I for one would love to see and hear how it translates in person sometime. Although he benefits quite significantly from the way everything in this mix was seemingly tailored to his needs as a songwriter and a vocalist, there’s something more unrestrained lying in these poetic verses that makes me yearn to hear what he can do when there aren’t any studio walls around to restrict his output.
Jonathan Brenner isn’t playing by major label rules in his second album; from my assessment, he’s going out of his way to establish himself as an outside of the box-style of songwriter who cares more about making a big harmony than he does forming a familiar but catchy hook riddled with the usual indulgences we hear virtually every five minutes on the FM dial.
His spirit and his dedication are pretty refreshing to come by in 2024, and if he can continue to refine his sound moving into this new chapter in the history of alternative rock and crossover Americana particularly, I think he’s going to make a considerable impact on his scene sooner than some would expect him to. This is a record that lives and dies by the spaciousness of its concept, which, isn’t what a lot of critics are going to be left raving about this April. To me, Brenner is quite the methodical singer/songwriter, but at the end of the day, it is his moxie at the microphone that gives me the biggest thrills in Instagram Success.
Loren Sperry
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Album Review
Couldn’t Be Happiers unleashes a harmonious ode to modern existence with its EP “Couple(t)s Side A”
Get ready to be enchanted as North Carolina’s folk-rock duo Couldn’t Be Happiers invites listeners into their universally resonant anthems by releasing their eagerly awaited EP masterpiece, “Couple(t)s Side A.” This ambitious and heartfelt six-track collection brimm with introspection, poetic storytelling, and bold sonic exploration. The timeless melodies EP showcases the duo’s signature blend of heart-on-sleeve authenticity and genre-defying artistry.
More than a clever title, “Couple(t)s Side A” celebrates Jodi Hildebran Lee (playing drums, vocals, harmonica) and Jordan Crosby Lee (guitar, vocals) both as a married couple and as fervent admirers of poetic couplets. Produced in collaboration with Doug Davis of Flytrap Music Production, the EP is a testament to the duo’s harmonious synergy that defines their partnership in music and life. Organized thematically into categories of romantic compositions, protest anthems, and folk narrative ballads, the EP interweaves a complex tapestry of emotion, resulting in a work that is both diverse and cohesive.
The EP evocatively begins with “Come Back Tomorrow,” a euphoric folk-rock brilliance brimming with optimism and hope. With assertive harmonies and striking lead vocals, the track embodies a poignant reflection on the resilience of love and community amidst the uncertainties of modern life. The title track, “When I Die,” follows with a soulful warmth that lays bare life’s imperfections through melancholic yet therapeutic tones.
Each subsequent track deepens the EP’s emotional and thematic complexity. “Plastic Bag Odyssey (I’ll Never Die)” delivers a skillfully crafted critique against societal ills, while “Tear It Down” electrifies with timeless folk-infused grooves and emotive instrumentation. The haunting “Devil’s Tramping Ground” pairs dynamic beats with a dreamlike atmosphere, exploring the euphoria of discovery. Closing the EP, “Pretty Polly” leaves an indelible mark with its hauntingly introspective folk narrative, with trembling vibrato and seamless narrative flow.
With robust instrumentation including sousaphone, melodica, accordion, and musical saw, “Couple(t)s Side A” captures the essence of the duo’s dynamic live performances while pushing the boundaries of their artistry. It’s a sonic odyssey that invites listeners into the intimate, heartfelt world of Couldn’t Be Happiers, blending classic folk vibes with modern, introspective charm.
This EP marks a significant milestone in the duo’s growing discography, highlighting their unique approach to songwriting and storytelling. As Couldn’t Be Happiers continues to evolve and innovate, “Couple(t)s Side A” firmly solidifies its place as an exciting rising voice in the folk-rock scene.
For more information about Couldn’t Be Happiers, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Couldn’t Be Happiers’ EP “Couple(t)s Side A“ on Spotify.
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Album Review
Raised on Candy unveils sonic brilliance with its self-titled album that redefines rock’s nostalgia
Raised on Candy, the electrifying rock trio born from the creative pulse of the San Francisco Bay Area and New York Tri-State has unveiled its eponymous debut self-titled album. With a nod to the golden age of ’90s rock and the raw edge of post-punk and shoegaze, the album promises a transcendent journey that redefines modern rock’s emotional and melodic possibilities.
The 12-track opus marks a significant milestone for the band, featuring Joe Penna (vocals/guitar), Scotty Imp (drums/percussion), and Kevin Harris (bass/vocals). Produced by legendary engineer Steve Albini, “Raised on Candy” is rumored to be their final recorded project, adding an air of historical significance to this groundbreaking release.
The album commences with the invigorating track “Nishuane Park,” characterized by an energizing and euphoric melody alongside a compelling rhythm that underscores the evocative potential of rock music. This introductory song is promptly succeeded by the soul-baring “Lonely Bill,” imbued with melancholic undertones and introspective depth. Subsequent tracks such as “Midnight Creeper” and “Rococo” exemplify the band’s sonic versatility for weaving deftness and soulfulness with dynamic guitar and piano interplay to create rich musical pieces that resonate through a timeless lens of the listener’s emotional clarity.
“Raised on Candy” extends beyond a singular vision. The energetic vibrancy of “Like A Bird” juxtaposes with the nostalgic smoothness of “Maxing The Clink,” creating contrasting yet complementary auditory experiences. Furthermore, compositions such as “Reunion,” “The Ponderosa,” and “Big Game Hunter” engage in profound sonic exploration, eliciting deep emotional resonance. Other tracks include “Soft Metal“ and “Ora.” The album culminates with the hauntingly beautiful track “Whisper Me Your Wish,” which envelops listeners in a synthesis of introspection and melodic excellence.
Every track on “Raised on Candy” attests to the band’s meticulous craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of authentic artistic expression. From shimmering guitar melodies to poignant lyricism, the album traverses a vast emotional landscape, cementing the trio’s place as a powerful force in today’s music scene.
Raised on Candy’s self-titled album is a collection of musical expertise and a profoundly personal adventure through the band’s sonic evolution. It’s a must-listen for rock enthusiasts and anyone yearning for an authentic, introspective experience. “Raised on Candy” is poised to resonate with listeners, solidifying the band’s legacy as pioneers of a new rock renaissance.
For more information about Raised on Candy, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Raised on Candy’s Album “Raised on Candy“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Raised on Candy | Instagram |
