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Under control, but under-developed
In 2004, Cary Brothers’ song “Blue Eyes” was deemed apt-to-change-your-life-by-association when Zach Braff included it on the soundtrack for Garden State. It was beautiful and sincere, even without the visual cues or heart-strings-tugging back story provided by the film.
Despite ample piano chords and lyrics of heartbreak, the 10 tracks on Brothers’ most recent release, Under Control, do not pack the same punch. Songs such as “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and “Alien” are languid and unlikely to spur any more emotional awakening than a lullaby. Other tracks, notably “After the Fall” and “Someday,” boast quicker tempos but are predictably even keeled to a fault. There’s a spark of life on “Break Off the Bough,” but it’s not enough to redeem the rest of the album, which is made up of songs that would feel more at home on the next Twilight saga soundtrack than one for a film that honors true emotional complexity.
Cary Brothers - "Blue Eyes (Live)"
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Wow, I couldn't disagree more. This is a fantastic record. I was someone who thought Blue Eyes was just OK and really fell for the song Ride. There's so much more in the lyrics than the reviewer discovered. Not even sure we listened to the same record, though I think maybe the record's just too entertaining to be enjoyed by hipsters. A shame because Brothers is one of the better songwriters out there. If you were an Echo & The Bunnymen fan or miss good old Brit pop, you will love this.
There's just nothing about this album that stands out, and the cover "Something about You" is well intentioned but poorly introduced. The album as a whole is a complete let down...I felt like..
Brothers' new album didn't quite take at first listen but now one of my current favorites thanks to many plays in my car. plays best as a whole album on night drives where many subtleties stick out. Alien floors me, other favorites Ghost Town and Over and Out. Something about you cover is like the reviewer says "a lullaby" with guitars just floating and spacey. and I think thats a good thing.
I love this album so far, and the more I listen to it the more hooked I get on it. I really enjoy the fact that the music isn't over-produced, it allows the listener to hear Cary Brothers voice, which is incredibly soothing. I was hooked on "Ride" first, then "Blue Eyes"- both from other albums. I can't pick my favorites yet on this album but "Ghost Town" right off is great. I hope to hear much more from this artist!