I can’t help but internally groan when a group is described as a ‘live band’. The phrase is pinned onto many a few semi-famous local bands who are known more for their on stage antics than their musical chops. A ‘live band’ stands in direct opposition of an ‘album band’ who do asinine things like practice and tune their instruments. This might be a sign of aging but these days I much prefer the sound of unslurred lyrics. Due to this disposition I wasn’t expecting much from BRASS’ new album Look On The Bright Side.
Known for their energetic and markedly sweaty shows BRASS has always been a Vancouver ‘live band’ mainstay. I’ve attended several of their shows and they live up to their reputation. Loud, raucous and no one can quite decide if they’re starting a circle pit. True punk chaos. Unfortunately, these things rarely transfer over well to the recorded world. Look On The Bright Side manages to overcome this common punk problem with ease. The instrumentation is tight, the vocals are punishing and the melodies are infectious.
‘Bad Neighbours’ utilizes the band’s two guitar players, Tristan Milne and Zachary Mouallem, without feeling cluttered. Crashing in with brash lyrics decrying our neighbours to the south it appears, at first, to be a halfhearted attempt at political commentary but is saved by the undercurrent of sarcasm and irony that runs throughout the album. While putting down guns, steeples and declaring the stupidity of an entire nation Devon Motz (vocals) reminds us we’re hurling these insults from glass houses. So much for Canadians being nice.
‘Who’s Counting’ is light lyrically, mainly consisting of repeated lines, but it’s criminally catchy and the bridge weighs in with a surprisingly heavy emotional punch- delivered, of course, in a coating of sarcasm. Rory Troughton’s drums shine on this song particularly; although, the entire album reads as a hardcore drumming masterclass. ‘Who’s Counting’ fades out with a classic BRASS scream along and a cacophony of (tuneful) noise.
I’m sure a lot could be said about ‘Winning Hand’ but I’ve listened to it five times and all I can hear is the best baseline of the last ten years. Kennedy Pawluk’s bass doesn’t have much time to take centre stage with two guitarists in the mix but this song is making a strong case for that to change. Another politically minded song, this time touching on white privilege, Motz’ vocals and lyrics sound straight out of an IDLES song.
‘Milestone’ is laced through with tension. Crashing cymbals on top of delicate guitar and gang vocals mixed with individual cries. Motz’ growls and vocal fry veer the song into 2008 hardcore territory (think At The Drive In and Bring Me The Horizon). The band’s take on the loud/quiet formula is welcome after three nonstop tracks.
Closer ‘Parkour Saved My Life’ is a return to form saturated with hardcore vocals from Motz. While the song is technically proficient and features an entertaining octave run over the bridge, it feels like the safe option. It would’ve been nice to see something more creative like their 2019 single "Occasional Gardener".
So much more than a ‘live band’, Look On The Bright Side cements BRASS as a talented group on the rise. This is their first release on legendary local label Early Onset Records. As the band takes more risks and continues to write melodic yet still trashing hits they’re sure to find an audience beyond the local scene.
