Review by Alexa
Record label: Unsigned
(photo courtesy of myspace.com/brightershades)
Anticipated Maryland kids have been patiently waiting for this day, the release of Brighter Shades’ debut album, titled You Shine So Bright. From the ashes of Gatsby Gets The Green Light, Brighter Shades make their debut and they could not shine any brighter, cheesy but had to be said. The album’s first track, “How To Keep You Around” is my personal favorite, best track to use to open the album to any listener. It shows poppy and mellow parts in the song. Going within the 7 tracks, you can’t pinpoint what their exact sound is, they have some songs that focus much attention to their brass section of the band, and while there’s other songs that the brass isn’t even really heard.
Stand out tracks, “How To Keep You Around” and “Roots”.
Words to describe the debut – Refreshing, clean, relaxing, a bit poppy, tiny bit catchy.
On a personal level, I believe this album could not be released at a more perfect time, mid summer. When I heard the album for the first time, I thought of open fields and open roads. I have yet to hear this album while driving down back roads of Maryland but I’m sure it’ll live up to my standards.
Reminiscent of bands like Sherwood and Ivory but adding a little brass into it. Lyrics that are similar to the likes of Death Cab For Cutie. Coming around at a time where music can be just thrown into it’s own category, I legitimately could not think of what to file this gem, You Shine So Bright under. It’s got a pop sound to it but nothing to classify as “pop punk”, it’s mellow but not mellow enough to be given that title, brassy but not enough brass to be considered ska or even jazz. I’m out of ideas as to how to classify the album. I’ll admit, You Shine So Bright is nothing brand new these days, but then again what is? It is however, new music to the Maryland scene and I’m hoping most of the tri state area. It’s rock, with a little bit of pop, a little bit of brass and a little bit of class.
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