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

The Brevet - American Novel.

1/12/2015

1 Comment

 
Picture
The Brevet

American Novel
self-released; 2014

3.9 out of 5

By Matt Jensen
I have to admit I was a bit baffled when I heard that latest release from The Brevet entitled American Novel. It was mixed and mastered by the band in a clubhouse inside a mobile home park. Does this clubhouse contain a Neve or SSL console with an ample amount of outboard gear? If so I want to see it. The point is the album sounds a degree or two shy of being mixed by Tom Lord Alge and mastered at Sterling Sounds. 

I’m guessing the band comprised of Aric Chase Damm (vocals/guitar), Michael Jones (backing vocals/ piano) and David Aguiar (backing vocals/drums) contains at least one seasoned engineer. If not thenthey just blew my mind once again.  

The band’s debut album Battle of the Heart was a well-received debut and American Novel further establishes their talent. I was drawn to the energy of this record. It’s uplifting, encouraging and hopeful. The songs are powerful and won’t settle just being in the background. One of the most effective is the opener “American Novel.” 

It begins with two guitar notes that stay steady as a swell of orchestration build anticipation in the background. The anticipation is warranted as the band explodes with guitars, drums, and vocal harmonies that are reminiscent of Arcade Fire. The lyrics are almost as affirming as the music. Damm sings about the loss of innocence but carrying on.

“Hazy Eyes” is on par with the first song in term of quality and energy. The snare drum alone provides enough energy to get you out of your chair but the music behind it creates a wonderful culmination of sounds. The first two tracks were exceptional but I think the third track “Moving Mountains” was my personal favorite. I’m sure that would be a debated topic amongst the listeners as the songs are close in terms of quality.

The band can also slow things down a bit and still sound good as displayed on “The River.” It’s an emotionally resonant song but to tell you the truth every song on the album is. It’s really consistently good throughout. 

I don’t have any complaints expect that these guys need some more love. Take a listen.
Become A Fan
Tweet
1 Comment
Garet
1/12/2015 10:44:06 am

yes yes yes

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

    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 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact