Customer Reviews

This Way Up

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the fine tradition of blending traditional folk sounds with modern rock, Brother stands as one of today's most criminally overlooked groups. At the very least they're a little more obscure than Fairport Convention or Steeleye Span, yet this disc shows just what a powerful sound they have. Half the tunes here could almost be stateside radio singles - of the ten tracks here, five are essentially basic rock tunes (although quite melodic ones, and that Aussie accent only makes their voices sound more distinctive). The guys do have a nice way with words and a pleasing set of harmonies that comes across even better in a live situation.

And then there's the really good stuff. The opener "Thetimeisnow" shows the essence of what makes Brother distinct: a seamless blending of pounding drums, twisting bagpipes and hopeful singing that brings just the right calm to the frenzy. The lead pipes add a nice flavor to the rock tunes "Blackest of Blue" and "2 Chairs and One Tree" also, but it's during the field march "The Unknown" and the lively closer "Romp and Circumstance" where they truly shine. That last features a fun call-and-answer between the singer and audience, and among the musicians themselves. Highland Morris dancing never sounded like so much fun before. As much fun as it is, I'm also glad that the encore "Fly Away" is stripped down to the basics. It's a simple, lovely wistful tune and too many ingredients would probably kill it.

I give 3.5 stars because when the cultural elements are missing, a couple of the plain tunes can tend to sound alike and run together (e.g. "Shadowman," "Give It Away" and "Rainmaker"). But since half-stars aren't allowed, I'll round it up to four since their sense of fun is contagious and their stage energy is undeniable. If you're curious to discover a little-known treasure (or just want to hear something a little different), this album is a good place to look.

It should be this one. Brother has made a wonderful live collection of songs that combine Rock with Celtic roots. I really like this CD as it makes you feel that you are sitting in the front row of one of their concerts. One thing that I hate about most live CDs is that you have to hear a ton of screaming and clapping between each and every song. Well, not this CD. This CD was produced so well, that you know it is live, but you do not get the "live overkill." Brother is a breath of fresh air and are gaining popularity at a fast pace. The talents of the two brothers, Hamish and Angus, are complimented by their bandmates Steve and Roel. Hamish and Angus remember their Celtic roots with bagpipes, but also remember where they grew up. The brothers in Brother are from Australia and Hamish plays the didgeridoo on some of the songs. It makes for an interesting and mesmerizing aspect of some of their songs. I can also guarantee you that you have never heard bagpipes played like this before. So please, do yourself a favor and purchase this CD. You will not be disappointed! In my opinion.... Brother is better than all the rest of the Celtic Rock bands that are out their today. If you ever have a chance to see them in concert.... do so!

Brother has NOT had it easy the last few years; with personel changes (including the departure of Brother Fergus for a solo career) and a serious auto accident that nearly took them out for good. Finally, they come roaring back with a fine new live album.

Normally there are suspicions about live albums and their usually inferior quality. This one, however, is a fine example of Brother's on-stage prowess and manages to capture the high energy of their performances. Featuring a good cross section of their material, including one new track, the band plays with abandon. The pipes wail, the harmonies soar. The energy captured here is infectious. These guys can more than cut it live.

The album is not without its minor faults; a few songs that didn't make the cut, a few blown notes. Ah, but that is sometimes the charm of a live album. At least you know it's real.

This is a welcome return to form (and then some) for Brother, and a perfect place to start if you're just being introduced to their music. Highly recommended.

This band is absolutely incredible when it comes to energy. The fun they bring to the stage is brilliant. And in addition to being a fabulous group, they're also grand to talk to and fun as individuals. I just saw them at the Dublin Irish festival as a "brother virgin" and i am already captivated.

I bought this cd the worst way possible - on the basis of the cover - and got the best musical surprise of my life. I was looking for something a little different and experimental for my then 14 year old son who was just starting to play bagpipes. I found them on a Scottish website, along with Wicked Tinkers and something with the overly predictable term Haggis in their name. I eenie meenie miney moe'd, and ended up with this band. Then I chose the cd by the appealing graphics.

What a hit! This is a quirky, rollicking but totally listen able band - not always true of experimental musicians. They have enough classical music training to do the job well, but not so much they're afraid to. The joy and playfulness is infectious, and has encouraged my son on his own path to inventing new music. The pipes are there, not as side dish, not as gimmick, but part of the main course, blending flavors with more common instruments. This is how my own piper envisions bagpipes and it was great to show him it is indeed possible. Parades and funerals have their place, but he sees more in his main squeeze than pomp and circumstance.

The next Christmas I bought him the rest of Brothers cd's and wasn't disappointed. He trotted them around to his extremely diverse circles of friends and everyone liked and requested them over and over. How have they gone unnoticed for so long?

I am now back at the well, eagerly looking for the latest...

This was the CD that introduced me to Brother and then set the hook.

The fact that it is a live recording and sounds THAT good, in addition to the just plain awesome quality of the music is something not to be missed.

If you are looking to give Brother a try, this is the album for you. If you're already a fan, you need to have this live CD in your collection. These mongrels put on a fantastic show!

I bought and played this CD after seeing them live. That was a mistake. Cause seeing them live was over the top. But this CD needs to be in your collection. In fact, they need to re-issue their CDs... not a record contract. Don't change, boys.

We saw Brother at the House of Blues - Anaheim,Ca.in 2002 and they were incredible! Their music was new to us and they rocked the House w/ both ballads and rockers... An incredible introduction to the band and their music, very personable too at post-show meet & greets that time and every time since.

This album is recorded live so you really get the reaction from the audience. The bantering (not to mention great accents) between the Brothers and the audience. Unbelievably moving, you want to call out with the fans as Brother plays' like no other'. Are those bagpipes, oh yes! Ahh, their voices, melt you. They are lyricists, words that make you feel, think and react. Then, back up dancing! What's that captivating buzz, drone, reaching into your chest , drawing you out?.....
the didgeridoo...an ancient instrument...played by a true master. Luring you into the circle of the band.
' Fly Away ' reaches every soul , rock , celtic, young, old.
definitely a must buy....a must see. I play it every chance I get.

This album is recorded live so you really get the reaction from the audience. The bantering (not to mention great accents) between the Brothers and the audience. Unbelievably moving, you want to call out with the fans as Brother plays' like no other'. Are those bagpipes, oh yes! Ahh, their voices, melt you. They are lyricists, words that make you feel, think and react. Then, back up dancing! What's that captivating buzz, drone, reaching into your chest , drawing you out?.....
the didgeridoo...an ancient instrument...played by a true master. Luring you into the circle of the band.
' Fly Away ' reaches every soul , rock , celtic, young, old.
definitely a must buy....a must see. I play it every chance I get.