Posted on Under The Gun Review in November 2011.
On O’Brother’s last effort, 2009′s The Death of Day EP, the Atlanta, Georgia group produced a mix of layered alt-rock and post-rock, which resulted in a collection well-crafted, emotionally charged songs and on the whole, showed a lot of promise.
Two years on, the bands debut full-length, Garden Window sees the quintet growing and taking a huge step forward, as they take you on an intriguing, hour-long musical journey that goes back and forth from experimental to indie rock to softer, (slightly) ambient moments.
One of the first things you’ll notice on Garden Window is how much darker, intense O’Brother sound. From the opening fuzzy guitar chords of “Malum;” you’re welcomed with a thick, edgier sound that on first listen is discomforting yet compelling. Nevertheless “Malum” gives way to “Lo;” a vibrant, energetic number that takes the fuzzy guitar tone of the opener and combines it with a thriving energetic tempo and suitable melody, which gives it a (slightly) much needed sense of calm.
Read More
Posted on Alter The Press! in December 2010.
Alter The Press! Studio Report is the latest addition to our features section and sees the site speaking to bands, who are currently in the studio working on their forthcoming release.
Band: O’Brother
Title: ’Garden Window’
Label: Favourite Gentlemen Recordings
Studio: Favourite Gentlemen Studios (Atlanta, Georgia)
Date Due: March/April 2011
Website: beneathyourgardenwindow.com
The first ‘Studio Report’ sees ATP! catching up with Atlanta, GA experimental rockers O’Brother.
Having spent much of 2010 on the road with the likes of Circa Survive, The Felix Culpa, and Biffy Clyro, the five-piece recently entered the studio to work with Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull and Robert McDowell to work on their first full-length, and the follow up to their 2008 release ’The Death of Day’.
Guitarist Tanner Merritt spoke to Alter The Press to give us an update on the recording of new record titled ‘Garden Window’, working with Hull and McDowell, the bands musical progression and more.
Read More
(Source: alterthepress.com)
tlanta, Georgia’s O’Brother are signed to local exports, Manchester Orchestra’s Favourite Gentlemen Recordings. It’s a good indication that if you are a fan of that band you are likely to enjoy O’Brother. This 5 track mini-album shows a band that are capable of writing layered and powerful songs; at times they can fierce, or they can beautiful and soft.
Opener ‘Providence’ shows their louder side with their brand of distorted, bass driven indie-rock that smoothly goes into a calm string section, that takes you back as it is somewhat unexpected.
‘The Great Release’ is more of the pleasant, soft indie rock the band do so well with Tanner Merrit’s mumbled yet emotional charged vocals, creating an eerie, captivating sound. ‘Ascension’ sees the band stepping into post-rock territory, with soft guitars and drums leading up to Merrit’s vocals erupt and pours out his heart. At over 7 minutes long, the track goes back and forth between loud and quiet, something that might not be in everyone’s favour but it shows the band impressive performance and complexion.
Next is ‘Division of Man’, a steady paced slice of indie rock that concludes in a strong wall of sound that where Merrit’s lyrics sound troubled and in despair. ‘Oh, Charitable Thief’ closes the album, a 9 minute piece that contains an eerie, slow build up with guitar notes fading in and out that lead up to a brass, near-deafening conclusion.
O’Brother’s mix of emotionally charged indie post-rock is not necessary different, but still impressive. As the band’s mature lyrical outlook and the record’s complex and layered production make ‘The Death of Day’ an enjoyable listen from a band that have a good chance of receiving bigger praise down the line.
4/5
‘The Death of Day’ by O’Brother is available now on Favourite Gentlemen Records.
O’Brother on MySpace
‘Division of Man’ by O’Brother will appear on the Alter The Press! Autumn/Winter 2009 Compilation. Available from Monday August 10th.
