Album Review: JEFF The Brotherhood – Wasted On The Dream
2 min read
Jake and Jamin Orrall, with their garage-cum-psychedelia rock guise, make for an intriguing duo, and quite how they get such a big sound with only the two of them is beyond me. They’ve grafted their way into the hearts of many, and new LP Wasted On The Dream calls on many styles to form a bargaining chip that takes a little piece of innocence from you with every listen.
Voyage into Dreams kicks us off in a big way with its electric pace and sturdy sounds; if you’re thinking in the past look to Led Zep; if you want a newer comparison think of noughties era Datsuns. The garage feel gives the track a life of its own, and you can almost see the song snaking its way out of a rehearsal studio and chasing its way up to the sun.
Single Coat Check Girl goes for a different vibe altogether, focusing on radio friendly rock that’s most comparable to early era Weezer, and even sharing a penchant for a catchy pop chorus with sweet and youthful lyrics: ‘I shared my drink with you, you showed me your tattoo’. The early 90’s trick is repeated on Black Cherry Pie – strangely featuring pan pipes, which somehow works – whereas Cosmic Vision’s sound of youth will give back even the hardest soul a taste of love, loathing and lust for life.
The band aren’t afraid to show their love of other artists either, and none more so than on Melting Place. Drawing heavily from Black Sabbath on riff and tone, the track grows from the bare to the intense, and ends in a psychedelic haze of beauty and wonder. Guitar work is fast and furious, and manages to draw you in and grip you by the throat – just like classic Sabbath.
If there has to be any criticism here, some people may find that the brothers need to focus on one style over the other. Sometimes the record can feel like it’s competing with itself over garage rock or psychedelic rock. The problem is, the band is so good at both styles that it’s difficult to pick which one should rule the kingdom. It’s a good problem to have, and only a minor quibble of clashes that many will find endearing and earnest.
Wasted On The Dream is a work of passion and competing styles. They all raise their head at one time or another, and settle down to create a record of contrast, but undeniable beauty. JEFF The Brotherhood have revealed another side to their talent here, and it’s produced some of their best work to date.
