Brandtson - Dial In Sounds

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 28 / 4 / 2002

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Brandtson’s second album is a masterful emo record, which combines all the essential elements of this genre ; a hardcore inspired guitar noise combined with melody and intelligent, personal lyrics. This is the band’s second album, and one that finds them sticking to the formula of their debut, which I think is quite acceptable, and maintaining their relationship with Deep Elm records, and with producer Ed Rose who has also recorded some of my other personal favourite bands, like the Appleseed Cast, the Casket Lottery and the Get Up Kids. Needless to say, if you have an interest in emo and hardcore then you will recognise this release as one that has many plaudits. I really love emo, and the more I hear the more I like it. Deep Elm has got to be one of the world’s most excellent emo labels, and is certainly the best for the more melodic, sensitive side of the genre. Brandtson are a special group even within the emo scene because of their stunning songwriting and harmonising abilities, and because they aren’t afraid to take a few risks. This all comes about because they are genuine musicians,and not simply trying to get by rehashing ideas from more established names. At times the band will draw upon a wide range of influences, and the record consequently sounds dense and developed. Bittersweet lyrics ensure that these songs stick in the mind. I don’t feel like I really need to convince people to buy this since Deep Elm is a label that works like a mark of quality, but I will say that this album stands up proud alongside The Appleseed Cast’s 'Low Level Owl' albums and Elliott’s 'False Cathedrals'. Yep, its that good.

Track Listing:-

1 Mark It A Zero
2 The Rookie Year
3 With Friends Like You
4 Some Kind of Jet Pilot
5 Cherokee Red
6 Command Q
7 Command Z
8 Guest List
9 Anything and Everything
10 Little Rounder
11 Fireworks and Phonecalls

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