Local Review: Brother. – Volume II

Brother.
Volume II

Self-Released
Street: 11.10.18
Brother. = Local Natives + Fleet Foxes

Provo-based indie rockers Brother. toe the line between danceable, pop sensibilities and the introspection of indie rock. Brother.’s most recent effort, Volume II, proves their mastery over both genres as well as how far they’ve come since releasing Volume I in 2016.

“Blunders” opens and welcomes with a richly hypnotic bass line and persistent a drumbeat that supports dreamy guitar chords, creating an almost melancholic, underwater feel. “Blunders” is probably the darkest track on Volume II, but strangely one of my favorites. The rest of the album cascades through a more upbeat, multi-layered soundscape. The second track, “Outside,” arrives at the more pop side of Brother., which I think shows off what they’re able to do both instrumentally and vocally to create something more upbeat. Lead singer/guitarist Chuck Emery’s layered vocals lend an otherworldly quality over bassist Erika Goodwin’s cheery lines.

Influences from the likes of Bon Iver and Iron and Wine permeate the slower track, “Greys.” I felt myself slipping into the looped acoustic guitar riff paired with Emery’s voice, sounding almost like a ghost through the white noise of the cassette-tape deck before a break at the bridge of the song snaps me back into reality. There is a droning, repetitive quality to “Greys,” but it perfectly fits the soft, mesmerizing atmosphere of the piece.

The arrangement and production value of Volume II is top-notch. Volume II seems to be an accumulation of Brother.’s latest singles, and each song has a standalone quality. However, songs with groovier bass lines and more staccato drums blend seamlessly into Brother.’s slower, softer songs, creating a cohesive vision in six tracks. Ultimately, Volume II naturally progresses from their earlier work with a clear artistic vision and the musical chops to execute it flawlessly. Brother. are among the up-and-coming, destined-for-success Provo-based bands. For me, personally, it’s completely fitting to see them among those ranks. –Ali Shimkus