lexi
kahn
Hm. Usually when a band’s press kit cites a metric ton of influences,
and vastly different classic and contemporary ones to boot, it raises the reviewer’s
internal bullshit alarm. Seriously, you’re laying claim to The Beatles,
Buster Keaton, The Clash and Coldplay all at once? And Japan? And Bowie? What,
no Spice Girls? If the band wrote the pitch themselves, then it usually means
“uh, we don’t actually have any idea what we sound like, maybe you
can make a suggestion?” There is another possibility — what I have
here is not a CD, it’s a selection of online tracks. Since the band has
been putting out music for four or five years, maybe I’m just hearing
their evolution, but out of chronological order? It would be interesting to
find out, because mercurial-sounding as they seem to be, the band is fantastic.
Really good, above par for indie rock and Andy Browne and gang could end up
as my favorite new band. “Ida Lupino” features a low rasp on lead
vocals, downtempo chugg-chugging drums, a soaring chorus with an electronic
needle piercing a diaphanous, echoing vocal hook. The whole dramatically ambient
effect screams Amused to Death era Roger Waters, a sound that continues with
“Of Human Bondage.” Then comes “Virginia Please,” a
rock and roll love song that sounds more like the Rolling Stones than the Rolling
Stones ever do anymore, right down to a rousing Jagger-esque pronunciation of
“please” (plaaay-ez!) and some extremely Keith Richards-like guitar
freestyling weaving through the sing-along ending. Then there’s the smart,
hook-centric “Sacred Cow” with it’s undeniable homage to all
things Pink Floyd. “Los Seniorita” takes a hard left turn into a
very Tool-like place. When “A Place in he Sun” comes on, I finally
hear the Coldplay and Bowie cited in the press kit (plus it’s got a perfect,
insistent, sexy drum groove that just kills me. Sweet). Well, The Andy Browne
Trio is what it is, and what it is equals superior modern rock out of Pennsylvania.
(http://www.andybrowne.com) (Review date: Sept 30 2007, Lexi Kahn)
David Walter
The
Andy Browne Trio combines a nice blend of acoustic guitar rock added with a
little bit of spaced out folk music. Think Pete Yorn or Ryan Adam's style of
instrumentation with vocals and melodies that embody the sound of new indie
phenoms, The Arcade Fire. The Chemical Road Promo is a fine introduction to
this band. I honestly had no expectations coming into this release, but I came
out with a definite appreciation for this band and their own style of acoustic
rock.
For the most part, these types of bands can easily fall into the typical, cookie
cutter alternative acoustic guitar rock mold. From the opening of this three-song
release, The Andy Browne Trio offers a different element to the familiar acoustics.
They incorporate a real, spacey feel to their music and it gives off the sound
and experimentation of Pink Floyd with more updated touches. Just this little
bit of change offers enough to make their music stand out an inch or two above
the rest of the bands in their genre. At times on the release, they really let
loose while maintaining their acoustic qualities. The instrumentation here is
also very well done; the chord changes are flawless and really help the overall
flow of the music while the drums provide a nice rhythmic backdrop to the guitars
and are carried out with the same precision. From the candid expressions of
the guitars to the sincerity of the vocals and lyrics, The Andy Browne Trio
emits a real genuine feeling of goodness and honesty.
I was really impressed with what these guys had to offer on this mini introduction
to their music. A full-length is definitely something to look forward to as
it will be interesting to see if they can deliver the same way they did on these
three songs.
Northeast
in Tune Magazine
By: Aubrey Rocheleau
After sharing the stage with bands such as REM, The Replacements, and Sonic
Youth with his band The Nightporters, Andy Browne decided to form his own band
called the Andy Browne Trio. Joining Andy (vocals and guitars) are Kevin Donovan
(guitars and vocals), Jason Craigle (bass), and Jason Grosse (drums). The band
has played multiple shows in the Pennsylvania area and Canada. In addition to
lending tracks to several compilation CDs, the band has produced two of their
own CDs. 2003’s Chemical Road contains three songs while 14 Horses for
Che, released in 2005, boasts eleven tracks. The band will return to Echo Studios
(owned and operated by both Jasons), located in Tullytown, PA, in March to complete
a five song EP.
The band has been compared to Radiohead, The Who, Elvis Costello, and David
Bowie, among other artists. I would add Howie Day to that list. The trio sounds
particularly like him on “Sacred Cow” from Chemical Road with it’s
jangly guitar, spacey ambient sounds, and Andy’s vocals. “Any Day
Now” and “Virginia Please” round out Chemical Road and showcase
the variety of the band’s sound. “Any Day Now” is a bit heavier
musically than the other two tracks, while “Virginia Please” features
jangly acoustic guitars to drive this catchy tune. The band’s sound is
similar on its second CD with “Lucy’s Great Escape” and “An
Offering” using guitar feedback and instrumental flourishes to dramatic
effect. On these tracks, the Radiohead comparison is obvious and a Pink Floyd
influence is evident as well. “Elephants & Donkeys” and “Breakfast
for One” are mellower, mainstream tracks with the band returning to its
acoustic guitars for “Breakfast for One”. A slide guitar makes an
appearance on “The Dummy in Me”.
Fans of Howie Day, Coldplay, and the more mainstream side of Radiohead would
enjoy the Andy Browne Trio’s mix of acoustic and electric instruments
and Andy’s soulful vocals. The band has a profile on myspace.com and its
two CDs are available (with sound clips) on cdbaby.com.
Origivation
Magazine
Kevin
Keating
14 Horses for Che
The Andy Browne Trio
4 stars
14 Horses is a fascinatingly dynamic record. Through not-to-be-missed arrangement
and a threatening gravel-dripping pirate voice, the Andy Browne Trio delivers
indie rock to a mature, discriminating audience. With nostalgic, classic-sounding
melodies and a taste for explosive composition 14 Horses for Che is a must-hear
for those longing for a fuller, more adult sound in their experimental pop.
Brene
Wilson
Hardrocking guitars, flowing acoustics, powerful rhythm and raw vocals. There's
no question that Andy Browne and his band are truly talented musicians and songwriters.
Every song on here are well crafted, hook-filled masterpieces touching on the
purity of progressive rock, pop, and the attitude of earlier punk. Every track
glistens with edgy, sincere and honest emotions. Which is definitely something
that is very hard to find nowadays. The acoustic guitar in the beginning of
the first track "Sacred Cow" beautifully transcends the song into an emotionally
driven chorus that catches you alittle by suprise. If this is what's to come
from their full-length CD "Chemical Road" then I'm sure we will definitely be
hearing alot more of The Andy Browne Trio in the near future. These guys are
going places for sure.
Origivation
Magazine
Mike Brennan
Chemical
Road Promo
MUSICALITY: Excellent. Deceptively pure.
LYRICALITY: Sincere, rich and meaningful.
FAVORITE TRACK: Track 1 - Sacred Cow
REVIEW: The Andy Browne Trio's sound showers you with post/punk progressive
rock fusion with a dash of Americana.These are tunes for the discerning ear,
and definitely not bubblegum pop song rubbish that's so popular nowadays. This
3 song demo is the teaser for their forthcoming full length release - Chemical
Road. The trio weaves beautiful soundscapes which permeate your mind and
soul. Check them out.
Chart Attack-Toronto
Andy
Lee
According to legend, Philadelphia singer-songwriter Andy Browne met Colonel
Harland Sanders when he was a child and has never looked back since. On this
record, the trio takes cues from classic rock staples like The Who and Pink
Floyd, with songs ranging from psychedelic rock to the country-flavoured, Bob
Dylan-esque "Virginia Please." Opener "Sacred Cow" features soaring synth and
dazzling guitar, while "Any Day Now" displays the harder side of Andy Browne.