- Vocals
- Musicianship
- Production
- Originality
- lyrics
I recently reviewed Brian TV’s co-EP with Cold Coffee a few months ago and was amazed. So, needless to say, when I got the great news that Brian Emmert had his full album out I was thrilled.
Gypsies, Cramps and Beads is every part sarcastic, cheeky, fun and laid back as the EP, but it has more of a punch to it. A catchy infectiousness if you will.
Emmert’s vocals are refreshing with a relaxed quality to them, as if he was just laying on the floor while he sings. His voice isn’t a natural guy vocal part. It’s got edge but without the snarl that comes with a lot of other artists, which is a good thing.
The closest thing I can relate this music to is the Brian Jonestown Massacre, if they had more fun and cared less. It’s also got a funky, jazzy, but slightly unhinged quality, with tambourines, warped organ sounds and guitars. It’s not overproduced and has a very organic feel.
My favorite songs have to be “She Had A Baby,” “Do You Like My Hair?” and “Something About Love.” “Do You Like My Hair?” is the kind of song that drew me in on Brian TV’s EP: it’s got funny lyrics and a sweet funky beat. “Something About Love,” is a catchier tune that puts you into a daze when you listen to it. “She Had A Baby” is more of a darker shade of song on the album.
With all of the subtle differences in tones from song to song it makes for a solid album. Everything sounds cohesive, but not in a way that it all sounds the same. Overall making Brian TV’s first album a very solid effort with great promise for the future.
