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]]>“I’ve always loved those live records that set the bar for how tight a band can be. Those albums were always benchmarks for me, like a goal to aspire to. And going into the Philly and New York City residencies, we saw this opportunity to make a record where we could listen through multiple shows and pick the best performances,” states guitarist Matt Kass.
Tale Of Two Cities captures The Brakes at an idyllic time in their evolution, transitioning between an intimate neighborhood listening room and a legendary big city rock club. But more importantly, a young and swaggering rock band is found growing into their shoes, clearly electrified by the music they’re creating. The Brakes seamlessly intertwine infectious indie-pop circa Ram-era Paul McCartney, crunchy California rock in the spirit of The James Gang and starry-eyed British psychedelia that harks back to Traffic. The breadth of this vision belies a band whose oldest member is 23 years old.
Zach Djanikian, The Brakes’ lead singer and principle songwriter, has an affinity for sugar sweet melody and wry turn of phrase. It’s a combination that proves consistently compelling over the course of Tale Of Two Cities. On the album’s opening number “Into The Ground,” he spins the following: “So hold me baby, just like you used to, feed my hands and blow the shingles off my roof, then kiss me baby, kiss me with your mouth, bite my lip and drain this blood into the ground.” Djanikian sells what he’s singing. His sarcastic bluster doesn’t hide the fool on “Supermarket”: “I’m only one or two steps behind you, I’m only three or four whiskeys down, I’m only five or six cigarettes smoked, on the seven, eight, nine, ten, walk on home.”
If Zach Djanikian brings the stylized pop, the twin guitars of Matt Kass and Derek Feinberg provide the old school sting. They serve the song first, but if pumped-up guitars are called for, they deliver without hesitation. Tunes like “Big Money,” “State Of The Union” and “Danger Blues” are case in point. Feinberg’s deft slide work bumps up against Kass’ chugging rhythms and tasty fills. Their twin leads tend to coalesce in a full-tilt boogie, conjuring all the glory that rock music, of the vintage variety, once promised in less ironic times.
What’s not apparent on Tale Of Two Cities, yet a staple of The Brakes’ live experience, are the members trading off between instruments. Zach Djanikian switches between acoustic guitar and bass, while also playing saxophone. Matt Kass and Derek Feinberg also fill the bass roll as needed. Keyboardist Adam Flicker, who surely draws inspiration from the great Garth Hudson, alternates between clean piano lines (“Into The Ground), swirling keyboard effects (“Who Am I To Be”) and fat organ parts (“Tale Of Two Cities”). He even plays precise trumpet lines on “Into The Ground.” Josh Sack, The Brakes’ drummer and youngest member, sticks to his kit, but likewise, offers staggering range in his performances. Where big bottom grooves are needed, he’s right in the pocket. On the turn of a dime he can swing out rhythms with jazz finesse.
The Brakes formed in 2002, but their roots run much deeper. Guitarists Matt Kass and Derek Feinberg first started playing guitar together in fourth grade, only months after they’d both begun learning their instruments. All five members, including principle songwriter and vocalist Zach Djanikian, keyboardist/trumpeter Adam Flicker and drummer Josh Sack, attended the same middle school together, performing music with each another in various configurations during their high school years. By 2006, The Brakes had matured into a national touring act. The entire band would spend their 21st birthdays on the road, while going on to play dates with The Hold Steady, Robert Randolph, Widespread Panic and Willie Nelson among others.
“Our history together adds a certain level of interpersonal musical understanding. We anticipate each other musically, better than a band that’s three months old, or is auditioning a new bassist,” explains Flicker. “We feel the connection. It’s tangible. We’ve played a lot of music together. It’s like hanging out onstage every night with your best friends.”
“We’ve worked hard for a long time, and I think we’ve gotten to a place where we’ve figured ourselves out enough to make music that’s inherently ours,” concludes Djanikian.
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© 2005 The Brakes (714577601125)
CD permanently out of stock. Sorry!
Philadelphia’s own The Brakes are the cure for the common band. In an era where musicality has taken a back seat to manufactured talent, where aimless improvisation has replaced good songwriting, The Brakes emerge as a unique and powerful force, poised for success.
Formed in 2001 by some of the Philadelphia area’s most talented young musicians, The Brakes have grown from a local favorite to a touring rock band in record time. Gaining a loyal hometown following while playing to audiences at the cities premier music venues, The Brakes have supported acts from Robert Randolph, moe. & Derek Trucks Band to the Wailers and The Disco Biscuits.
As the band grew in popularity, a significant buzz brewed around them leading up to their first EP Release Party at the Theater of the Living Arts last December where they drew near sellout crowds; impressive for a band that has jumped over “local band” in one short year. Followed up with an equally successful second EP Release Party in June, The Brakes have solidified, with authority, their place as one of this major market’s most powerful acts.
With an emphasis on compelling melody, refined songwriting and deep musical exploration, The Brakes sound brings to mind the classic sounds of yesterday while exposing the attitudes of a younger generation. Duel lead guitar lines soar over tight rhythmic syncopations; crisp harmonies blend nicely into powerful, catchy choruses; and just when you think it’s over, they switch instruments to reveal a horn section of jazz trained musicians, hiding among the guitars and keyboards.
A sound that the Philadelphia Inquirer calls “Clutch rock”, The Brakes combine influences young and old; such as Traffic, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder with The Black Crowes and Jamiroquai to create a new hybrid that combines a strong rock & roll influence with a fresh neo-soul sensibility.
In a scene where derivative jambands are a dime a dozen, and gimmicky acts alike cannot fill the void left by true artists, The Brakes are a breath of fresh air as they continue to grow and redefine the norm of what a real band should be. After two successful EP releases, and a strong growing presence in the Northeast, the future looks bright for these young talents, as they continue to wow audiences all over the country.
Saw the Brakes last month live at Dante’s in Portland, OR based on a friend’s recommendation. Thought they were great - love their music. Think they’re a great group of musicians with a very promising future. They’re music and lyrics are clean and tasteful. Am 52 and my teenage kids really like them as well. Can’t wait for their next CD. Hopefully they’ll come back to the Pacific Northwest soon. Good luck!
The Brakes continue to evolve and mature with the release of EP Vol. II. Sophisticated tunes and lyrics keep me hungering for more. I just can’t wait to here their next release.
My friend told me about them and then seeing them on the H&R Block commerical even sold me more. They are the best, refreshing sound.
this CD really surprised me! The grooves are really tight and the songs kept me interested the entire time! I’m anxiously looking forward to what else these guys put out…so keep em’ comin’!
this CD really surprised me! The grooves are really tight and the songs kept me interested the entire time! I’m anxiously looking forward to what else these guys put out…so keep em’ comin’!
My friend got me hooked on the first CD and was totally surprised when I got her the second one so now we have plans to rock out to it on our next road trip :)
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March 18, 2008
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Sign In or Sign Up now! The Brakes - a tale of two cities - promo debut album in stores May 6th on Hyena records. Visit www.brakesband.com for more info. The Brakes - a tale of two cities - promo
debut album in stores May 6th on Hyena records. Visit www.brakesband.com for more info. Category: Music
Tags: Brakes Band Philadelphia tale of two cities rock blues indie
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