Customer Reviews

Light of Day

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Electric or unplugged these guys are super. I loved the electric versions of WE ARE NO MAN and RIDIN' THE RED EYE. Here we are presented with live acoustic versions of these songs and they are wonderfull. These are certified Craftsmen both at work and play. Listen to TWENTY FLIGHT ROCK and the perfect cover of CCR's GREEN RIVER. Kincaid sounds more like Fogerty than Fogerty does. I'd love to see Kincaid and Fogerty together, oh the possibilities! The Diversity of the songs and styles on this album plainly explain why this is not just another rock band and why they deserve to be exposed to a Hungry American Audience who could use a Quality Band with Values. Hey, don't take my word for it, decide for yourself. I've been BRANDOd for life but I'm really not opinionated!

This is an incredible album! I think it is an absolute CRIME that these guys don't have a US record deal. Their music is an modern version of hard rock (with a healthy CCR influence) that does not really lean in the direction of punk or metal. With David Kincaid's rough but powerful vocals, their slashing but straightforward guitars and rock-solid rythym section, they make a wonderful rock juggernaut. Let's all hope they get a U.S. record deal soon. They are certainly more deserving of it than most of the "rock" bands around lately...

The Brandos are clearly unique. Their musicianship is superb and their ability to write creative music and lyrics, in my humble opinion, surpasses any group I have heard in the past 10 years. The Brandos started out as a West Coast band called The Allies (noted for a song called "Mrs. Peal" - the album title is "The Allies" and is still available on Amazon) and hailed from Washington State (like another superb group: The Ventures). There is also a tie between between these two groups in the sense that there are echos of The Ventures that one can find in the guitar work of their lead guitarist. The Brandos lead guitarist, David Kincaid, when asked by the European version of Rolling Stone what he thought was the best guitar solo in rock and roll he responded with Bob Bogle's version of "Walk Don't Run." Bogle, who has passed away, was one of the founders of The Ventures and can be credited with starting the "surfing sound" of the 1960s.

Kincaid is clearly one of the best guitarists around with the flexibility to play multiple styles. He also plays the banjo and the mandolin superbly. One of the most interesting aspects of Kincaid's guitar work is his ability to create a fusion between flamenco, classical, hard rock, country, Celtic influences, and folk. In fact Kincaid is recognized nationally for his preservation efforts regarding Irish folk music. Simply put, as a guitarist, this guy is an original. He's The Brandos' lead singer, lead guitarist, and a great song writer.

The album itself is excellent and I give it five stars (only because 6 stars was not available). This is an album that has general appeal as well as for musicians and lyricists who are looking some great music. As I noted above, The Brandos have very few peers as far as the contemporary music scene is concerned.



The Brandos got their start in New York City, but found that it was almost impossible to secure a recording contract without artistic and monetary concessions to those who control the contemporary music industry. They have moved their base of operations to Europe where their concerts are sold out.

The CD, as I noted above, is truly an excellent piece of work. Of the tracks on the CD my personal favorite is "Warrior's Son." Kincaid's vocal is superb and the back up harmonies on the refrain are also excellent. If you enjoy this CD I can recommend The Brando's "Honor Among Thieves" CD. On this CD is "Gettysburg" was, in my opinion, their breakout song. Other superb tunes include "A Matter of Survival," "Nothing to Fear," "Hard Luck Runner," as well as other songs that could easily make the Top 40 if they had the air play on radio stations. The "Over The Border" CD is also a must. The title song ("Over the Border") is one of the best tunes I've heard in years. They also do a superb version of "Guantanamera," the vocals and guitar work are beautiful. I would also note the vocal harmonies on "The Triangle Fire" are second to none. Unfortunately most radio stations are subordinated to corporate interests and confine their play lists to the "stable of talent" they are currently promoting. Thus most folks have have never heard of The Brandos since there is no percentage for the industry in promoting a group who is not in the corporate fold. The Brandos took the high road and refused to compromise their music. This is why The Brandos CDs are imports and available on the internet rather than Walmart, Target, and other "meta-stores." Sometimes you will find The Brandos' CDs at one of the few "Mom and Pop" record stores, but these stores are increasingly rare.

Roger Longo

Like few other bands, David Kincaid and the Brandos are able to mix rock n'roll with other influences (folk, Irish, etc) to produce great music. The cover art sets the tone and the band delivers an album of modern songs with an 1800's vibe presenting messages and themes that remain poignant and timely. Bravo!!