Brother Andrew is an American singer songwriter who has just come to my attention through the upcoming release of his album, Fun and Games.
By Graeme Smith
Fun and Games came about through Brother Andrew’s determination to finish the unfinished. There is safety in potential, a hopeful look to the future without the daunting prospect of finality. Boldly, Brother Andrew set a date at the recording studio and gathered up all his half-written tracks. The result is this album.
That might sound a little chaotic but Fun and Games is anything but. Though not a concept album, the collection hangs together around the theme introduced by its title. At once, the phrase suggests something light, as in recreation, and something dark, as in manipulation and pending doom. You get both in this album.
Opening with previously released single Chess, Fun and Games starts strongly. A jangly indie folk arrangement sets the scene before soulful vocals deliver thoughtful and descriptive lyrics. The first verse gives way to some bright brass and a singalong chorus. A bombastic close seals the deal.
Things stay warm with country-infused tale of swimming 32 Degrees and the delicious rock and roll number Eat So Well. IKWYD strikes a cooler tone, and it’s this well-handled dichotomy that keeps things interesting as the album progresses. So, too, are the genre shifts, whether it be the timeless romance of Nunca Pasará Nada, the dreamy, nostalgic lullaby Tennis, or the classically-tinged folk of Dear Lynn.
Things end as strongly as they began, with the stripped-back pop wonder Harder to Remember. With it, Brother Andrew saves the best for last.
I know the stress of feeling something I’ve created is not good enough for the public, but Brother Andrew’s new album is so beautifully-realised he needn’t have feared. Well written, fantastically produced, and providing a unique point of view, it’s everything needed for a modern classic.
Fun and Games was recorded by Jack Daley at Dugdeep Studios in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It was engineered and produced by Roshane “The General” Karunaratne. It features Cody McCory, Santo Rizzolo, and John Kadian on drums, bass and piano, and Robbie Bukowski on guitar and trumpet. Collaborating with Brother Andrew on the album are Alex Brumel, Salvatore Boyd, Meghan Bradley aka Carrot, Jenn Fantaccione, and Ben Karas and Nicole Scorsone who tracked the strings.
The album is set for release 29 March. You can pre-save it here.
