I had many random thoughts while listening to this album. During the first two songs, I found myself looking at a mixed crowd of thrift-store sweater clad, black-rimmed glasses types bobbing in the midst of what I like to call "TRL teens". In other words, this album kicks off with a great coupling of mentally engaging arrangements and straight-up ear candy. Very nice... thumbs up so far. Throughout the album, the vocals are definitely a centerpiece. Although the harmonies are reminiscent of some of the more teary-eyed emo-pop bands presently invading our country's angst-riddled indie scene, they stand out in originality and strength. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't impressed on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, as Brandtson shows musical versatility in the first half of the album, their coffee buzz seems to wear off towards the middle as more "Mineral-esque" slow tempos begin to surface. But wait folks! Just when you think Brandtson is about to digress into that typical sound that bands like the Promise Ring seem to be embarrassed of, they keep you guessing with their last number, which is primarily a little electronic ditty that evolves into a rather complex ummm....opus. Great stuff. Yeah, I'll go on record as being a reviewer that can say the word "opus" with a straight face, why not. Overall, these guys display a distinct level of maturity and talent. Pay a visit to your local Smith's shirt-wearing indie dealer and snag this one if your CD case is holding stuff like the Get Up Kids, Saves The Day, Mineral, or things similar.
B-
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #86Reviewed by The Kern County KidThis emo-tagged band has gone a long way to further launch themselves into the pop genre. While some of the chiming guitars recognizable from their debut album are still there, the harmonious vocals here put this right in the pack with bands like The Juliana Theory, Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, and even Foo Fighters. The infectious grooves and pop hooks here are so commercial that this band is…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Tom BastianThis brand new EP from Brandtson starts out with what is probably my favorite song from this band yet, "Sic Transit Gloria (Glory Fades)". Probably most easily classified as a driving rock song with incredible dual vocals (the best Myk and Jared have sounded together yet), as well as dual guitars that just help to make this song an instant classic. This EP reminds me how much this band should be…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by MarkI'm personally not a fan of this genre but despite that, I think this EP is really well done. It is Brandtson's best sounding recording yet and has a good mix songs that rock and songs that melt your heart (in a Jimmy Eat World kind of way). Myk's voice has come a long way since his days in a popular Cleveland hardcore band whose name I won't mention. He can certainly croon with the best of them.…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by ChrisThis 6 song EP is good; not great, but good. Musically there's nothing wrong with it, they sing in key, they play their instruments well, the harmonies work...but for the most part it's also not very interesting. The first four songs all have the same basic problem: they are all melodically boring. The vocals are primarily the same couple of notes with the same harmony behind them. The songs…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by thOrNOh no here goes thOrN on another emo rant... Yes this needs to be in DEAD... why? because if you know your band history you would know that two of the members of Brandtson (Myk Porter and Matt Traxler) were members in Six Feet Deep one of the original Christian hardcore bands. Yes SFD was a good band but every song ended up sounding the same with the same drumbeat. SFD went emo on the second…Similar sounding releases
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