Beware of revivalists, especially revivalists who revive revivals (try saying that after a few). Oasis, Kasabian, Cast, The Verve – “That’s proper music, lad” turn of the century strumalong shag-haired rock traditionalists whose main remit seemed to be little more than regurgitate their record collections. Just because it’s the first time you’ve picked up a guitar in anger doesn’t mean it’s the first time a guitar’s ever been picked up in anger.
Now I know it’s not fair to denounce a record – especially a first record – merely by association. Dublin’s The Brothers Movement are not without ambition, and show no qualms about utilising big production and epical orchestral overdubs. But do they have anything to declare other than their own desire to be in a band and emulate their heroes? Hard to tell from this debut.
They can play, certainly, but I’m not sure about their writing chops. ‘Sister’ is a lyrically banal (“Sister, come and save mah/ I’m drowning in lies/ And I can’t find my way) psychedelic knock-off via-the Stone Roses, Buffalo Springfield and Simon & Garfunkel. Pretty sounding yes, but vacant. ‘Standing Still’ rollicks along atop a sort of BRMC/Glitter Band stomp. ‘Someday’ is a Gallagher/Ashcroft mid-tempo strumalong with requisite Ringo fills and Mick Taylor licks. It all feels a bit like youngsters dressing up in big brothers’ duds.
There are a couple of nuggets. ‘The Salute’ ramps along on a martial drum figure that could’ve been lifted from Brel’s ‘Jackie’ and boasts some fine guitar twangerama. ‘Coming Home’ has a seriously cute Mary Chain meets Everly Bros charm. Mostly though, the Brothers are a little too in love with the past to effectively transcend it.