There’s
a lot to be said for a band such as Brand New. A band of four young guys, who
instead of succumbing to the temptation of fame and the fortune it brings, have
stayed true to their morals, their hearts and their fans. They’ve taken the
high road; declined countless offers to ensure them the commerciality that
would surely see big paycheques rolling in. They have remained and plan to
remain, a fan’s band. And for a band like Brand New to create a stunning album
such as this, their second album, it is almost painful to realise just how much
potential they have and how big they could become if only they took on one of
those offers. At the same time, being so un-commercial is one of the main
reasons they have the vast and passionate fan base that they do. But I digress…
Getting
more to the point, the four alternative rockers, hailing from Long Island, New
York, are positive to attract ever more followers and even more attention with
the irresistible sound revealed within their latest musical instalment. Deja
Entendu opens with a slow, melodic intro that leaves much to the
imagination and instantly intrigues you as front man and lyrical saviour Jesse
Lacey uses his soothing voice in almost a whisper on the track simply titled Tautou.
After
this, a more upbeat sound graces the listeners ears. Sic Transit
Gloria…Glory Fades, is every bit as powerful as it is mysterious. A song,
which explores the physiological turmoil’s of sex and relationships in the
cleverest of ways and holds a chorus that will instantly get a crowd moving and
singing along.
Track
after track, this record deals with conflictions of the mind on a much more
mature level to the album’s predecessor Your Favourite Weapon. Songs
such as, I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin light – which
presents the pressures and downfalls of life constantly on the road and Okay,
I Believe You But My Tommy Gun Don’t - which portrays enhanced
feelings of anxiety, dread and paranoia in the most sincere of ways, are both
poetic and deep. As Lacey spills out lyrics flooded with a smug humour, ‘I
am heaven sent, don’t you dare forget’, there is no person who would doubt
him or doubt that Brand New are serious this time.
Songs Guernica
and Good to know… are highlights. They harbour some very moving
melody lines and hooks that catch you and are unwilling to release their grip
until you’ve listened very closely, until you’ve realised just how great this
album and band are. Along with all this, the haunting rendition of Play
Crack The Sky provides the finishing touches to a near-perfect album and
still, it is sure to leave listeners wanting more.
If one
thing is for certain, it’s that the band have a lot to say. Jesse Lacey exposes
his very soul on every track with a powerful emotion. It’s almost as if the
greatness of his lyrics can make up for all the other empty and ungraceful
words seen in the world today. He just simply cannot be matched for his
willingness to bear all, both the good and the bad. This adds to the
spectacular musimanship – very much improved on over last couple of years as it
showcases each member’s ability to be different and try new things. Throughout
this album, the band stays in firm control of every song. They take their music
through highs and lows, ups and downs and not at one point, do you feel they
are lost. They know exactly what they are doing.
Often
sounding like a sombre tribute to life and its tests, Deja Entendu is an
album for any music lover and definitely an album for anybody needing a shining
light to guide them through all the struggles life can sometimes bring. It will
take a while to find another record quite like this, one that drips with
honesty and exhales inspiration. A record that can at times take your breath
away, yet at the same time, can breathe life into you.
Brand New have always been underdogs - intensely artistic
and rare underdogs at that. So much so, that with a hint of cynicism, they
shrewdly named this album Deja Entendu – which derives the French
meaning of already heard. After listening to this album, you will
realise that no words have ever been more misleading and yet ironic at the same
time. But this is all part of what makes Brand New such a special and enigmatic
spectacle of a band. Accordingly, their second album happens to be the very
epitome of passion and creativity.
* * * * *
- Amy Parker
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