Stephen Brodsky's Octave Museum - Stephen Brodsky's Octave Museum

  by Adrian Huggins

published: 7 / 11 / 2006

Label: Hydrahead
Format: CD

intro

Stripped down and blues and folk-influenced solo album from Stephen Brodsky, the frontman with Boston-based post hardcore band Cave In

This is the latest offering from Boston band Cave In singer and guitarist Stephen Brodsky. Although it may not pass for a full Cave In album, and while it is mellower and more stripped down, it still has that band's brand of post hardcore indie rock on some tracks firmly stamped all over it. It is easy to see Brodsky’s influence on the music of Cave In on 'Stephen Brodsky's Octave Museum' and, to be honest, it’s a relief. It would have been a little strange and disappointing to hear that he was some closet hip-hop wannabe or techno freak that was just wasting his life away in a wonderful band whose music he wasn’t really that into. The highlight of the record, however, is a little bluesy number ‘Swingin’ in the Sky’. As far as I know is an original composition, but it would not sound out of place on a Robert Johnson recording. With its simple tune and catchy words ( “You got your head in a noose/but you got no reason to die/what’s the use/cut it loose”) this tune has the beautiful simplicity of any of the greatest blues songs you could ever choose to listen to. It was a surprise as well to hear poppy songs such as 'Sentimental Case' and 'Bluebell'. They are, however, flawless and it doesn’t for a moment sound like somebody trying to do something that really isn’t in them. When it does recall Cave In, it is one of their softest releases, 'Tides of Tomorrow'. While it certainly reaches the more poignant and dreamy feeling moments on that said EP, it never quite gets to the heavier moments, which is a testament to Brodsky’s song writing. Songs such as 'Red Headed Butterflies' and 'Kid Defender' sound a little like the Beatles in their 'Sgt. Pepper' mode, and in its psychedelic sound and innocent feel. This is a wonderful album from the singer of a great band. It provides a fascinating insight into the musical mind of a brilliant singer/songwriter and. as a fan, is great to see a different side to someone I hold in such high regard. On a final note I beg you to track down ‘Swingin’ in the Sky.’ You will not be sorry.

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