Brontës - Brontës (Last Night From Glasgow)
Release Date: Out Now
It is always good to be reminded that somewhere, in a bedroom, garage, or rehearsal space, there are bands creating beautiful music that exists outside the world of social media, binary factions and a sense that the world is imploding. Glasgow band Brontës have been doing just that and their debut self-titled album is a great example of music as a balm for the ills of the world. We get going with 'Cognitive Dissonance' and the breezy melodies jangle through the Spring sunshine with a Raincoats meets Belly vibe that I adore. 'Asking For A Friend' follows with shuddering guitars and a slightly darker energy in the verse but a release of gorgeous vocal harmonies in the chorus.
The escapism and freedom of 'Wouldn't Be Me' is pure, infectious joy while 'San Francisco' drifts like the last wind of Summer full of happy memories and the earliest tinges of nostalgia. The chugging guitars of 'Mixed Signals' are, somehow, brilliantly Scottish (don't ask me why) but those poised vocals have an almost country vibe and you could imagine this one being played over the credits on an indie film set in Portland, Oregon. There is a real theme of looking beyond the horizon on this album and 'Thelma and Louise' really captures that singing of "ride or die" friendships that will outgrow any small town limitations.
'Bad Manners' is perhaps the most ambitious track as the quartet combine elements of Kings of Leon guitars with a pulsating bass line to die for but 'I Think I Love You' is just as charming with handclaps and the kind of melody that will have you dancing around the kitchen when it comes on the radio. Penultimate track 'Wake Up And It's Gone' sparkles with energy and warmth before the album closes out with 'Jigsaw' giving us a real sense of triumph in the face of adversity. This is a polished album full of ideas, melodies, harmonies a very real sense that this is a band at the start of their musical journey. Are you coming along for the ride? I know I am.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/brontesband/