Brighton MA

November 10, 2008

I listened to a lot of new music over the weekend, and surprise, surprise the band that stood out most to me happens to be some locals from Chi-town (although their name would imply a different geographical locale).  The band is Brighton MA, which was created by the founding members of another Chicago group, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir.  Their sound, and especially Matthew Kerstein’s vocals, are quite reminiscent of The Walkmen, but with a chamber-pop, baroque flair.  The result is songs that feature vibrant, refreshing melodies and sonic explorations.

“Underground” was my introduction to Brighton MA, and it hooked me immediately.  It’s an enormously fun and quick-moving track, which mixes intricate layers and a strong melody, making the song sound deceptively simple.  The band shows a forté for jangly guitar on the track, something that is continued in the acoustic pop of “Sunblinded”.  Both tracks also feature huge, impassioned choruses that leave the listener with a feeling of exhiliration by the end.  The band released their first full-lenth album, entitled Amateur Lovers, on Loose Tooth Records a couple weeks ago.  This is definitely a band to keep an eye on.

MP3 Underground
MP3 Sunblinded

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In “my life” news: I bought a car today. It looks like this and it’s named after a character from Greco-Roman myth and a small furry mammal. (In other words it’s a Mercury Sable.) Hooray for cheap cars with good gas mileage!

Posted by Taylor in Artist Spotlight