Brando Rising – Brando Rising (self-released)
Hello I-94 Barflies. Well folks, The Farmhouse has been rocking this last few days with Melbourne band Brando Rising’s self-titled album. It’s bloody good, folks, and some mighty fine musicians make up this band.
I’m talking about a lineage spanning Hitmen, Lime Spiders and Glen and The Peanut Butter Men, to name a few. Kelly Hewson is on guitar, Tony “The Kid” Robertson plays bass, Steve Whan is on the drums and it’s Ripley Hood on vocals and charisma.
Last December I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne to see Brando Rising at a little bar in South Melbourne. A handful of enthusiastic punters and I got to hear a blistering set of songs that the band told me was going to comprise their first album. “Fucking awesome - this should be good,” I was thinking out loud.
After proudly getting my new T-shirt at the gig, I waited and waited until last weekend. There she was in the mail: the album. Seven months later, but worth the wait. Twelve songs to rock the Farmhouse and I tell you this, it’s sound just as good recorded on tape as the live gig was .
“Bellisimo Babe” kicks off the CD and it’s a killer opening track. The bass and drums really drive this song. It leads into “60 Seconds Over”, and it’s garage-punk rock at its best.
“Lust for Adoration” showcases the killer vocal of Mr Ripley Hood. This man can sing and The Kid’s melodic and driving bass-work is brilliant. “Song 42” and “Elastic Convergence” give Kelly Hewson his chance to shine and have great guitar playing.
Now folks, here is a section of music that, to be quite honest, has me puzzled. I don’t know what the fucking hell it is but it comes in three parts: ”Karl Malden Part 1, 2, and 3” is a run of three ripping songs that are all different but sure to have you scratching your head, too. I won’t spoil the surprise but I will leave you with this thought: Shit, they are good songs.
“The Gun” and “Point Blank” keep this album rocking along, but “Quo Vadis” is my favourite track. It’s head-banging, foot-stomping, and it’s stuck in my head at the moment. Drowning out all the other bullshit, it is.
Okay Alright (Live)” is the last track and it’s another ripping tune. The band in the flesh really is as good as this one proves.
Now, just a shout out to Dugald Jaye at Sound Park Studios Melbourne. What a sterling job he did, producing and engineering the album. Paul Handley’s mastering is fabulous.
OK, Barflies, this is a limited run with only 100 available so get in quick or miss out. You can buy it here and copies are also available at Gold Mine Records in Carlton. At $25 including postage, it’s a fucking bargain, punters, and make sure you catch the band at launch gigs in Melbourne. Sydney and Adelaide.
Until next time folks, take care. From The Farmhouse.
