The Brunettes

I have been waiting for this album for more than two years, which makes this less of an anticipated release and more of a holy-shit-please-come-out situation. I fell in love with this band’s happy, poppy sound when they opened for Rilo Kiley those two years ago, and also because of the mystic beauty of co-vocalist Heather Mansfield. I recall even telling my friend that she would be the next Jenny Lewis.
At said show they were more of a ‘60s throwback than what they are on Structure and Cosmetics. This album ended up being much mellower than I expected, and, in turn, broke new ground as a more mature band. However, I’m not going to lie, as each song started I hoped they’d return to their old sound.

But even with this new sound in tow, The Brunettes still deliver an album that plays out like two lovers singing to each other while using pleasant ooh las and giddy charms. The most exciting surprise on the disc is the inclusion of the song I loved when I saw them live, “If You Were Alien.” Although I remember it being faster and more upbeat, it still remains my favourite Brunettes song.

I can’t say I’m disappointed with the new album or that I like the band any less, all I can say is that when buying the album I thought I was purchasing the soundtrack to my summer, but instead ended up purchasing the soundtrack to my fall.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Brunettes Against Bubblegum Youth
02. Stereo (Mono Mono)
03. Her Hairagami Set
04. Credit Card Mail Order
05. Obligatory Road Song
06. Small Town Crew
07. If You Were Alien
08. Wall Poster Star
09. Structure & Cosmetics

Run Time: 38:48