Gabe Gross
02/18/06, 04:22 PM
Brightwood - The Love Antidote
Release Date: February 18th, 2006
Record Label: Unsigned
When I first heard anything from Brightwood, I was overwhelmingly impressed by the way they carry themselves through their work. As an unsigned band, they have created a six-song EP, The Love Antidote, which shifts through captivating hooks and developing, explosive tracks. Brightwood--lead vocalist/guitarist Andrew Brittell, drummer/vocalist Stephen Brittel, guitarist Benjamin Hawkins and bassist Matt Fosket--unify their performance with such precision and delegation. In a six-song album, you wouldn’t think that a band could represent themselves well enough on a debut. Sure enough Brightwood display an extensive portfolio for what they can do in piano-laden, acoustic songs to heavier material.
From the opening track, “My Reply” Brightwood supply a soothing pop-rock song, which breaks into a controlled chaos of erupting vocals and unpredictably hard guitar work. Most in particularly when Andrew holds the notes perfect when he belts out “This will be the last time I’m falling in love”. Next, “In Memory” is The Love Antidote’s token slow song that introduces an acoustic guitar dripping in Andrew Brittel’s buttery vocals. When the chorus is cued, a faint piano is peppered in the mix, only strengthening the emotional aspect of the song. “The Futile” hinders the continuity of the first three tracks with the opening minute but fades back into the atmospheric and pop-driven rock. Although this song initially ruins flow, it fades back into a more relaxed track and even powers into a controlled scream (which is most like Kenny Vasoli’s on “This Ride” off of Say It Like You Mean It). The disc finishes with “Unspoken”, a potent and melodic song which initially reminds me of a Sonicflood song, but transitions into a percussionless balled that echoes a more Switchfoot than anything. The bridge of this track develops so intensely that it will raise goosebumps and someday be set to the turning point in a Mandy Moore film soundtrack. This track is their most formidable because the range and tempo are switched several times without losing the listener in the accord of the song.
While this is their freshman release, being produced by Brightwood themselves you would expect choppy mixing and uneven levels on the guitars but this isn’t the case. Instead, The Love Antidote, is clear and will be a difficult act to follow on subsequent album, but because their potential is so recognizable, there should be a lot to look forward to. This album will still be remembered come the end of the year. I have a biting feeling that Brightwood will prove themselves in this album, touring and word of mouth. Hands down, Brightwood come to play and do not disappoint.
Release Date: February 18th, 2006
Record Label: Unsigned
When I first heard anything from Brightwood, I was overwhelmingly impressed by the way they carry themselves through their work. As an unsigned band, they have created a six-song EP, The Love Antidote, which shifts through captivating hooks and developing, explosive tracks. Brightwood--lead vocalist/guitarist Andrew Brittell, drummer/vocalist Stephen Brittel, guitarist Benjamin Hawkins and bassist Matt Fosket--unify their performance with such precision and delegation. In a six-song album, you wouldn’t think that a band could represent themselves well enough on a debut. Sure enough Brightwood display an extensive portfolio for what they can do in piano-laden, acoustic songs to heavier material.
From the opening track, “My Reply” Brightwood supply a soothing pop-rock song, which breaks into a controlled chaos of erupting vocals and unpredictably hard guitar work. Most in particularly when Andrew holds the notes perfect when he belts out “This will be the last time I’m falling in love”. Next, “In Memory” is The Love Antidote’s token slow song that introduces an acoustic guitar dripping in Andrew Brittel’s buttery vocals. When the chorus is cued, a faint piano is peppered in the mix, only strengthening the emotional aspect of the song. “The Futile” hinders the continuity of the first three tracks with the opening minute but fades back into the atmospheric and pop-driven rock. Although this song initially ruins flow, it fades back into a more relaxed track and even powers into a controlled scream (which is most like Kenny Vasoli’s on “This Ride” off of Say It Like You Mean It). The disc finishes with “Unspoken”, a potent and melodic song which initially reminds me of a Sonicflood song, but transitions into a percussionless balled that echoes a more Switchfoot than anything. The bridge of this track develops so intensely that it will raise goosebumps and someday be set to the turning point in a Mandy Moore film soundtrack. This track is their most formidable because the range and tempo are switched several times without losing the listener in the accord of the song.
While this is their freshman release, being produced by Brightwood themselves you would expect choppy mixing and uneven levels on the guitars but this isn’t the case. Instead, The Love Antidote, is clear and will be a difficult act to follow on subsequent album, but because their potential is so recognizable, there should be a lot to look forward to. This album will still be remembered come the end of the year. I have a biting feeling that Brightwood will prove themselves in this album, touring and word of mouth. Hands down, Brightwood come to play and do not disappoint.