Customer Reviews

Structure and Cosmetics

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

 

 

Ok, so lame pun aside, the Brunettes seem to have hit their stride, and perhaps benefitted from touring with the bands that always seem to be name dropped whenever folks just want to find out about this fine New Zealand troupe. Where they initially got by on charming, refreshing tunes, they now seem to have tapped into a darker side (perhaps from experiencing frustration that much less talented bands around them get more attention?). Either way, these Kiwi kids have merged Shangri-La influences with Hazelwood/Sinatra interplay, to great effect. Lots of great tunes, including stand out "Her Hairagami Set" - self described as the result of "when New Zealanders try to get epic". Good stuff.

Just saw The Brunettes live last night at a small club. Didn't really know their music well, but they're amazing. This album is great. They're very talented and seem genuinely lovely!

The Brunettes are another one of those bands that I had on my list of albums to listen to but I don't remember where I heard of them. At any rate, their latest EP Structure & Cosmetics is pretty good.

This album might feel a little dated to the average listener, especially considering that the duo kind of reminds me of the Buggles (especially on "Stereo (Mono Mono)" and the title track, not that they're bad songs). But there are other good songs like "Small Town Crew", the playful "Her Hairagami Set", and when they poke fun at the industry, "Obligatory Road Song".

The only song I can do without is "If You Were Alien". The Brunettes' style isn't for everyone, but Structure & Cosmetics is still worth a listen.

Anthony Rupert

I've been a Brunettes fan for years now. I saw them open for Rilo Kiley and I was hooked! After memorizing all the lyrics to all the songs of their previous two albums and EPs and pre-ordering this album, Structure and Cosmetics was like a kick in the teeth. When you put a Brunettes album into your music player of choice, you do so because you want some fun, cynical bubble-gum pop. I'm all for evolution of a band's sound, but this album doesn't have the cute, catchy appeal of Things Things Take Time or When Ice Met Cream. The heavily publicized songs like Her Hairagami Set are still kinda fun, but they don't hold a candle to older Brunettes stuff.

If you're a fan like me and you haven't heard the album, borrow it from a friend before you buy it and make your own decision. If you're just getting into The Brunettes, buy one of their older LPs. This one just isn't them.