Tag: The Brigadier

The Brigadier and Bryan Estepa

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“The

The Brigadier “Sailing the Seven Neuroses”

It’s been 8 years since The Brigadier (aka Matt Williams) visited us, and his return brings back his unique sound exemplified on the opening track “Bleak Companion.” The pop bounce of “The Purge” is about the difficulty of leaving things behind, “I can’t let go, everything I ever had is in this place” he sings, and it has enough twists to have you humming along. “Count Your Blessings” offers advice on gratitude, and be thankful “before you mess things up” with a nice jangle break between the verses. Matt’s soft vocals and layered synths work well, but several songs are missing hooks to keep you invested in repeat plays.

But he hits the mark with “Hot Solace” as he states, “I won’t let the melancholy come over me.” When the guitars mix with synths on “Heaven’s in my Heart” or “Everyday an Ordeal,” it often recalls 80s-era new wave pop, and this is Matt’s sweet spot. The title track is an interesting instrumental that recalls late-era Brian Wilson. This also comes up on the finale, “Don’t Go to Bed Mad,” which has lovely harmonies and is one of the best tunes here. Overall a good album that reintroduces us to the talents of The Brigadier. Check it out!

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Bryan Estepa

Bryan Estepa “I See It Now”

Australian Singer-songwriter Bryan Estepa has been a fixture of the DIY indie pop scene for over 20 years, and each album is a lesson in polished authenticity. The opener “Where You Begin” sets up the reflective theme, and “Grounded” is a lovely mid-tempo ballad that evokes McCartney styled sweetness. My favorite here is the light rocker “Version of Me;” picture a mixed blend of yacht rock and Fountains of Wayne. Estepa also addresses the passage of time on “Lines Will Show” and the hook-laden “Alright, OK,” which features a soft chorus that preserves the reflective atmosphere, even with those sharp guitars riffs.

The album closes out with the bittersweet “La última vez” and the lyrically sincere, unpretentious title track “I See It Now.” Although “Corners” feels like a misfire with its pounding rhythm, this short album lacks any filler. If you like soft guitar-pop and are interested in stories about healing, self-improvement, and introspection, you will enjoy this album. Fans of Wilco, Elliott Smith, or Fountains of Wayne should check out this well-crafted group of songs.

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The Brigadier and Oister

powerpopaholic
The Brigadier

The Brigadier “Wash away the day”

The Welsh-born Brigadier is singer/songwriter Matt Williams, and I’ve been reviewing his work for many years. This time Matt has upped his game with his latest LP; the energetic rocker “I Know You’re The One For Me Baby” sounds like a mix of Martin Newell and Allen Clapp, with a smart guitar break amid the joyful middle eight. The harmonies in the chorus of the gentle “Rainy Day Friend” are both smooth and infectious.

The upbeat theme continues with the jangle guitar on “Feel Like Something” with its catchy melody and “Keep Your Ego Down” is a bit of self-therapy that you can hum along to. The ballads are thoughtful without wallowing and a little guitar instrumental like “Cabriolet” keeps the energy level up. Other gems include “Let The Anger Go,” and the title track, with its chorus of “Gonna Feel Good/Yeah.” Other than a few odd tracks (like a disco number) I have to say this is the best Brigadier album I’ve heard in a long time. Highly Recommended.

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Oister

Oister “Pre-Dwight Twilley Band 1973-74 Teac Tapes”

Oister was the original name of the Dwight Twilley Band, but the name was promptly changed by producer Denny Cordell (Procol Harum) at Shelter Records before the band released any recordings. However, the rare beginnings of Twilley’s Tulsa power pop sound are evident on these 20 demo tracks released by Hozac Records.

The music at times resembles Big Star, the nascent “Lovin’ Me” has a Beatlesque boogie with piano rhythm and Twilley’s distinct vibrato. The double-tracked acoustic “You Were So Warm” is an early jangle ballad, and the country bassline on “Like You Did Before” really gets at Twilley’s distinctive songwriting style. With 20 tracks here the chemistry between Twilley and partner Phil Seymour is evident, but many of these tracks aren’t that memorable. The quality of the Teac Tapes are mostly good, but songs like “Hot Mama,” are mere sketches. Like the posthumous demos released by Pete Ham (Badfinger), there is a real demand for this “lost” power pop. Oister is a similar discovery and it’s made for fans and completists.

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