Monthly Archives: February 2012

Brae – Another Time and Place review

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Friends let me introduce you to my friend Brandon’s project, Brae.

If you aren’t familiar with Brae you are most certainly missing out on one of the Metro Detroit area’s best independent artists. Mixing a nice blend of classic sensibilities from artists like The Beatles and Coldplay, Brandon Husken has always brought a signature style to the table via his unique vocals and lyrical approach. A veteran of the music scene Brandon brings years of musical experience to the table, but more than that as a husband and father Brandon brings years of life experience. this life experience allows Brae to paint with the same colors as other artists but use them in a way that sets it apart and invites the listener into the world that is most certainly worth exploring.

With his latest effort, “Another Time and Place” Brandon again joined forces with brilliant local producer Ben West, recording at the infinitely inspiring space of the Aashrum recording studio owned by Scott Louden, and mixed by my older brother Nolan Rossi (cheers bro, you did an amazing job). However, with this effort Brandon chose the risky path of bringing in a new group of local artists to support him in the studio. The idea was to record live as one cohesive unit in the same vein as many great rock bands in the past. This risk proved to add to his story telling and musical palate. Local musicians and artists: Adam Serruys, Takashi Lio, Jason Warnke, and Jon Sheard. This group of talented musicians shine throughout the album with a tight, easy to listen to album. This ease in listening is a testament to the musicians maturity, taste, and makes it easy to go back for second and third helpings.

Opening with the track “That Was Then”, the listener is welcomed with the opening line,“If you could go back to a time when I was yours and you were mine, would you change the things you said? would you change what we have done?” Playing off of themes of nostalgia, regret, struggle, and hope the album’s songs tell a great story, one that makes you certain of the writers desire to be authentic and transparent with the listener. Songs like the title track “Another Time and Place” have true meat on their bones, strong hooks, production, and performances are always reinforced with the backbone of a real story. Other standout tracks: “Together”, “After The Fall”, “So You Want Out” follow the lead of the earlier tracks and keep a great pace throughout the album.

Perhaps the best track on the album for me is the song “Will The Calvary Come” featuring a splendid performance by the lovely and talented Erica McManus. Gracing the album with her wonderful presence Erica shines and elevates “Will The Cavalry Come” with her wonderful sensitivity and ability to capture and express the mood of the song through her vocal.

Through out the record you could easily forget that Brandon Husken is not only writing these songs, but He is also singing and playing drums. This feet is an extraordinary one, and seeing Brandon perform the songs lives is an absolute treat.

As you can tell I don’t have anything but great things to say about this album, you should go and pick it up asap. Local acts of this caliber deserve and need our support, we can all be proud to say a local artist like Brae is our own. This album is michigan made and I for one am proud of that. Go check out Brae at http://www.braemusic.com/