Brother Gruesome’s Self Titled Cassette

Album Review

Oklahoma City’s Brother Gruesome consists of Todd Jackson on vocals and guitar, with Levi Watson on percussion. They just released their first album…well, I hate to use the word album because the only physical manifestation of the music is being released on cassette. Pretty cool, huh? I didn’t even know you could still mass produce cassette tapes. Thanks for proving me wrong, Brother Gruesome.

The opening track, “NakedGirls.com” is a shoe-gazey little number. Todd’s vocals are ethereal as he sings  about, ahem, Internet porn. Don’t be deceived, it’s message is more about the isolation caused by a lack of real human interaction.

On to track 2, “Cut It Out.” We get much more up beat with muted fast paced guitar riffs leading you into the chorus, “Why don’t we cut it all out?” he asks with an undulating confidence.

On “Holy Army” Todd abandons his normal tenor for a baritone. It hearkens me back to The Smiths, thumpy drums accompany their vocals as they harmonize “Kill for peace / and earn your sleep.”

“Room for Rent” begins with a harmony of “Ahs” that reminds me of Fleet Foxes. With lots of emphasis on the up and back beats, I feel like I am at a dusty Traveling Circus show. This song stays fun without losing its weight.

The closing track, “Song For Mike”is my favorite. This may be just because I have a soft spot for accordions. In a waltz-y 3-4 rhythm, Todd croons, “Sometimes a boy can’t get how precious life is, work 40 hours and then what do I get? ” An ode to a friend who committed suicide, it’s certainly not lite fare.

Makes me want to: join the sideshow; its sad and isolating, but at least you’re not alone.

Brother Gruesome comes through with their introductory release. They’ll take you from high to low and back again in just 5 tracks. A ruddy, sanguinary and raw first effort, well done guys! You can buy the album, er, cassette here.

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