by Catherine L. Tully

Artist: Brother
Album: Pax Romana MMV
Year produced: 2005

The Aussie boy's have done it again! Fans of Brother already know that they have a sound that is totally unique--but if you haven't yet had the privilege of listening to these guys, now is the time! This is not traditional Celtic by any means, but it is great stuff . . .

As before, there is enough Celtic flavor (and instruments--yes--there are pipes!) for the appetite, along with a healthy dose of innovation. I rarely have trouble classifying a band, and those that I do have trouble with, I usually don't like. Not the case here--and after being around for two of their CDs now, I can honestly say, I am eager to hear what is next. If I had to describe their sound it would be alternative world rock-ish with a Celtic seasoning. Truthfully, however, that doesn't really capture it completely. I heard a flash of Dead Can Dance in track 5, but then it went its own direction--as Brother always does . . .

The first track is a triumph of harmony and arrangement. This CD has a more overall moody vibe than the last one (which had a more Linkin Park type feel to the vocals). Brother is continually evolving and it works. You get the feeling they can't do anything wrong--even though what they do doesn't seem like it should work in the first place!

I really love these guys. Sometimes unique doesn't mean weird--it just means fabulous. Next time, I just hope they will grace us with more than 8 tracks on the CD.

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Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among others and reviews music for Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. You can reach her through her photography website at www.moonbeamdigital.com.

Labels: cd_review_2006

Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, June 15, 2006.
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