I was going to describe the Briefs, by comparing them to the Vandals, not as earnest as them, perhaps a bit more cocky, plus vocals akin to those of the Exploding Hearts. But my sister, who is the big fan in the household, describes them better, especially by pointing out that "they admit to having a Buzzcocks fixation," something that comes through on the 28-minute Steal Yer Heart, an album with a definite Buzzcocks vibe without being a rehashing of every anti-love song written.
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There's the anthem-ish "Criminal Youth," the hilarious "Getting Hit on at the Bank," and the blistering "Can't Get Through." And then there's "I Can't Work" a song so nerve-jangled and strange it feels like audio panic attack. . . Romance schmomance (fictional or otherwise). The Brief's new record is a platter full of anti-love songs for anyone who has ever had a bad case of rotten love. Think of it as a soundtrack for tenderhearted hooligans and sweet-as-sin heartbreakers to break up by. Just give it a spin and you'll come crawling back for more. XXAnother review points out that the album isn't all about "goofy or sad love songs. Steal Yer Heart also holds some of the best punk anthems I've heard in a while, 'Normal Jerks', which is a typical punk song about not wanting to be a part of the 'regular world', but it's so catchy, with a great chorus to sing along to, that it keeps it fresh and fun" (XX). The frequent comparisons to the Buzzcocks and other older outfits risks suggesting that the Briefs' album is stale, something we've all heard already. But Steal Yer Heart is bursting with energy, a short and sweet romp that allows for the Briefs' own style and sound to come through.
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2 comments:
i can't work
oooh,
this one smokes... thanks a lot!
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