When looking back on a band's history, one can notice the most startling of evolutions. History has provided many examples, Ian MacKaye's switch from Minor Threat to Fugazi, the evolution of The Crucified into Stavesacre, etc, etc. In this case, one notices the evolution of a small time hardcore band called Six Feet Deep into a marvelous (dare I say?) emo band called Brandtson.
Over the last few years, the Cleveland, Ohio based band has given us some GREAT records to reflect upon. Death and Taxes, released on longtime label DeepElm Records is certainly no different in that it provides great music, but it certainly does head in a different direction doesn't it?
"You Do The Science" explodes in stereotypical fashion with soaring guitars and powerful vocal melodies. "On Three" is every faux "emo" band's worst nightmare with its excellently upbeat pace and wonderfully written hooks that should have been put on top 40 radio long ago (we all know that Top 40 is a scourge, but would it hurt to put something good on there for once?!). "In The Pills" is relaxing in its sheer state of melancholy reverence while not bowing down to pretentious whining and horridly predictable lyrical craft.
Let's face it; "Ain't No Trip To Cleveland" could easily bump Brandtson up the mp3.com charts alongside bands on the Drive Thru record label with its relentlessly infectious hooks. And they know it too when they sing, "We wrote this song, it's 4 chords long, we hope you sing along." Fence riders hungry for a break out? I think not. Satire at its finest? Maybe.
"In A Word" closes the record with its contemplative pace and mood that hearkens back to earlier material. Is this a great record? Yes. Is it a progression into more carefree pastures? We would think so. With Brandtson, it's not like they can really do any wrong anyway.
B+
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Trae CadenheadDeath & Taxes is Brandtson's follow-up to the full-length Dial In Sounds release from early last year. On this outing the band goes more into the area of straight ahead rock and roll, while not straying far from the musical roots that have made previous releases succeed. The album's six songs flow together into a cohesive collection of feel good indie rock music that should work well for summer…Opus 2003Reviewed by Matt WindhamGuess what all you emo fans -- Brandtson is back and have finally released an album where Myk Porter sings on-key. Unbelievable, isn't it? I admit that his off-key rants on previous albums were kinda catchy, and this new Myk was a little hard to get used to, but all is well by the end of Death and Taxes. Unlike their past albums in which Brandtson did the emo thing and focused more on the music…Similar sounding releases
2003Slow Coming DayFarewell to the Familiar
2004Action ToolbeltAction Toolbelt
2002Ultimate FakebookOpen Up and Say Awesome
2005The Evan AnthemSens
2003The Jealous SoundKill Them With Kindness
2001OleanderUnwindMore from Brandtson
1997Letterbox
2004Send Us A Signal
1999Fallen Star Collection
2002Dial In Sounds
2000Trying to Figure Each Other Out
