SpenniesBagster - Brutiful
July 14th 2006 05:51
BAGSTER
Brutiful (2005)
Independent
Myspace page w/ full songs and lots of videos
This is the 3rd EP from Sydney's Bagster, and in my opinion is a huge step forward for the band in terms of songwriting and further defining their unique brand of brass-laden upbeat poppy punky rock. On past releases, there has always been a certain ska element to their sound that made them more comparable to ska/punk and 3rd wave bands, but they have definitely toned that aspect down in place of a more fast melodic rock approach. In saying that however, they have not completely abandoned the offbeat - "Expiry Date" and "Two Feet" have a bit of ska action, but it's really not in the foray and personally I think it's a move in the right direction. I've always enjoyed Bagster, but I think they have really developed from what they used to be and come into their own element.
The opening track "Skeletons" is an awesome catchy tune with one of those chorus' that stick in your head immediately upon first listen - but it's not one I've gotten sick of - just a great, simple, well written song. I would say my favourite song on the 5-track EP would be the excellent "The Conquest Of" which is all about Planet of the Apes part IV - cool, huh?! Aside from that little stint of downright nerdiness, it's a song that mixes unique different melodies and harmonies all over the place to build a really original sound that is still in the style we all know and love. A top rock song with some very nice horn lines and some appropriate samples from POTA that fit in quite well.
One thing that has always impressed me about Bagster is their ability to create music which is not in the slightest bit generic, but easily digestable for the average listener. It's no easy feat, and I think part of it has to do with their wide array of influences that creep in here and there, but are never blatant or too obvious. There's parts that sound a little like Rage Against The Machine style breakdowns, then there will be a big brassy melody that reminds me more of Blood, Sweat and Tears, and then maybe a Bodyjar style pop-punk harmony. It's basically a whole lot of influences that have come together to create something fresh - and with trombonist Tommy D taking up more of an active role in the vocals department, they've also gained a different dynamic rather than just having one main vocalist.
I think the last track "Two Feet" would probably be another favourite of mine. It's absolutely massive and has an epic-ness to it that runs the whole way through from the horn-lines to the chorus to the bridge (which features some cool work by guitarist Koby). It's a great closer in any regard. "Human Error" brings the punk-vibe back with an incredibly huge riff; this song is a real live favourite and it's easy to see why, another really well-written tune. The only track I'm not too keen on here is "Expiry Date" which isn't a bad song, it's very poppy and catchy; I just don't feel it's well represented, maybe it's a little too slow. I'm not sure, but I think it could have been recorded better.
As it is only a 5-track EP, "Brutiful" is over before you know it - but at $5, it's damn good quality and a great listen.
Brutiful (2005)
Independent
Myspace page w/ full songs and lots of videos
The opening track "Skeletons" is an awesome catchy tune with one of those chorus' that stick in your head immediately upon first listen - but it's not one I've gotten sick of - just a great, simple, well written song. I would say my favourite song on the 5-track EP would be the excellent "The Conquest Of" which is all about Planet of the Apes part IV - cool, huh?! Aside from that little stint of downright nerdiness, it's a song that mixes unique different melodies and harmonies all over the place to build a really original sound that is still in the style we all know and love. A top rock song with some very nice horn lines and some appropriate samples from POTA that fit in quite well.
One thing that has always impressed me about Bagster is their ability to create music which is not in the slightest bit generic, but easily digestable for the average listener. It's no easy feat, and I think part of it has to do with their wide array of influences that creep in here and there, but are never blatant or too obvious. There's parts that sound a little like Rage Against The Machine style breakdowns, then there will be a big brassy melody that reminds me more of Blood, Sweat and Tears, and then maybe a Bodyjar style pop-punk harmony. It's basically a whole lot of influences that have come together to create something fresh - and with trombonist Tommy D taking up more of an active role in the vocals department, they've also gained a different dynamic rather than just having one main vocalist.
I think the last track "Two Feet" would probably be another favourite of mine. It's absolutely massive and has an epic-ness to it that runs the whole way through from the horn-lines to the chorus to the bridge (which features some cool work by guitarist Koby). It's a great closer in any regard. "Human Error" brings the punk-vibe back with an incredibly huge riff; this song is a real live favourite and it's easy to see why, another really well-written tune. The only track I'm not too keen on here is "Expiry Date" which isn't a bad song, it's very poppy and catchy; I just don't feel it's well represented, maybe it's a little too slow. I'm not sure, but I think it could have been recorded better.
As it is only a 5-track EP, "Brutiful" is over before you know it - but at $5, it's damn good quality and a great listen.
| 97 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
