Louder Than The Music

Waiting On The Walls is the new 11 track album from Brother John. They are Tom Maynard on guitars and vocals, Mark Wood on violins and backing vocals, James Truett playing the drums and Ian Wood on bass.

I thought I would be a bit different with this part of the review, so here goes. If I had to explain the sound of Brother John in the format of other bands as ingredients, as if we were making a cake (stay with me on this one), it would go something like this... Take a bit of Dweeb, a hint of Superhero, a tablespoon of Bosh, add a dash of Electralyte and a sprinkle of the band's own influences and you're left with the sound that we now know as Brother John.

The album is full of fantastic moments, creatively this albums hasn't just been recorded, it has been thought about at every level. For example the way that Hope Has Come builds into the Muse-esq song that it is. The violin moments in Glockenspiel add a different angle to the beautiful song. Your Love Changes Everything has some amazing drum work and lyrics that speak truth, all the band members add an extra depth to the band and they do their parts fittingly. 

The album has songs that you will very quickly pick up, I found myself singing the chorus to More Than Meets The Eye while in work. The simple melodic track is a wonderful way to end this album

Waiting On The Walls has a darker edge but a darker edge in the same way Radiohead and The Bends could be counted as dark. The album is at times very raw and edgy, this is what makes the album so amazing in my opinion. The album has some fantastic moments, heart touching songs, worshipful and also most importantly, honest lyrics.



What surprised me with this album was how creative the band have been with these tracks, really taking the time to think how to add the extra creative bits to each song, and this has to be commended. Brother John is what some would describe as Student Indie rock and if you're into that scene of music, these guys are worth exploring, a great effort from these lads, the future is bright for Brother John.

Review by Jono Davies

LTTM Rating 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
More Than Meets The Eye
Glockenspiel
Your Love Changes Everything