Apr 16 2008
Brass – Set & Drift
Brass
Set & Drift
Self-Released; 2008
I’m as big a fan of post-punk and post-rock as anyone. I love the cascade of reverb, the ever-winding guitar lines, the passionate vocals, and the rhythm section’s precision as they propel the music onto greater heights. But I often feel like a broken record in saying that my biggest pet peeve with this style of music is that it is perpetually huge at all times. Moreover, if there are any pauses or times for contemplation, they crafted to be extremely quiet places that merely serve as jumping point for the sound to become even larger. So, when a band like Brass, a five-piece based out of Philadelphia, comes out with their debut project Set & Drift, I’m rather conflicted in my opinions on their sound. I like what I hear, but there’s nothing distinct about it, as in, while all of the correct instrumental elements are present, I’ve heard this all before somewhere. Where I think my issues take root is how the strong, distinct voice of Joe Webber doesn’t fit in with the band’s musical aesthetic: it comes across as belonging to a group like The Twilight Sad or Sons & Daughters, with an occasional twinge of Morrissey. Admittedly, the intricate lyrics and the conceptual packaging do give Set & Drift a bit of artistic weight, but Brass’ music, while enjoyable, isn’t groundbreaking or noteworthy in any sense.
May 22nd, 2008 at 15:30