Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Francis JAmes - Brophy PArk

10/6/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
Francis James

Brophy Park
self-released; 2016

3.4 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Francis James is an artist from Boston who released an album called Brophy Park. The album is a lo-fi, DIY effort. He creates his music with the basics which include bass, drums, guitar and his vocals.

I’ve heard countless DIY productions over the last couple of years. In terms of quality Brophy Park is somewhere in the middle. Some of the things almost come standard with a DIY recording such as a boxy sounding snare which actually isn’t too bad on this album. Where vocals lay in a mix is also a matter of taste. For instance people often say Win Butler’s vocals from Arcade Fire is low in the mix. Also take for example the entire genre of shoegaze which is known for having buried vocals. There are sometimes on this album where James’ vocals sound so soft, thin and distant. I don't know how you could argue that utilizing EQ-ing compression techniques wouldn’t help benefit his vocal sound. He sometimes sounds as if he is singing from down the street

Musically, James limits himself to a minimal amount of instrumentation with a wide array of sounds. Other than that he kind of dabbles in different genres, styles and textures giving little cohesion to the album. Take for example “Eyeliner” which is somewhere between Weezer and an R&B song compared to the experimental, noise, garage rock sound of the opener “Rabbit Hole.” Despite the disparity the songs onto themselves are pretty well written but more importantly delivered with emotion. Most of that emotion comes from his voice which is another reason I would have mixed this album differently.

“Shake Me” is a good example of what I’m talking about. The song is pretty simple and basic; the heart is all in the vocals. I was scratching my head as to why he decided to implement the looney tunes theme on “Eyeliner.” Maybe some foreshadowing in regards to the lyrics. 

“You're My Wrecking Ball” has another distinct style. He hits absolute gold with the initial riff. Unfortunately the transition that follows doesn’t feel as smooth. That initial riff though….

“Looking For a Razor” has a solid sound all the way through and the transitions this time feel natural. Good song and I thought the vocals sounded good here. “I See The World” is a soft acoustic song and another example of just how disparate this album is. It sounds even more so going into the chaotic noise  of “Eat Me.” That being said “Eat Me” is a highlight.

Overall, Brophy Park has some issues such as the cohesiveness of the album and the levels of the vocals but they are outweighed by the raw, emotional way in which they are delivered. There is plenty of room for improvement here and I look forward to hearing him evolve.

Tweet
2 Comments
Rick
10/7/2016 12:47:48 am

This album sucks

Reply
Ozzy
10/7/2016 08:36:37 am

Awesome music. Can't wait to hear more.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact