Brume – Marten
Reviewed By: Denis Bridger
Review Score: 9.5
What an interesting band and album to be able to review. Brume, which is taken form old French Latin and means ‘the winter solstice’, but later went on to mean mist or fog and, if you are interested, it seems that the word ‘Brief ‘ also stems from Brume (as the solstice is short, I’d imagine). Anyway…
Moving on from word etymology to… mammals. Marten (the Marten is the angry looking weasel thing in the picture above, if you hadn’t already worked that out) is the third album from Californian musicians Brume and – from what I’ve heard of some of their previous stuff – is a very great upgrade on emotion, feel and general musical aesthetic..
There have been some changes within the band. The most noticeable is the arrival of Jackie Perez Gratz on cello and vocals, and what a fine effect it seems to have made by adding an extra depth and mystery to what already was before. The album is produced, excellently, I might add, by Sonny di Perry, whom seems to have put his magic touch to the album (I’m sure to music fans, this album will undoubtedly raise some goosebumps).
Let’s get started…
JIMMY
The song opens with the sad but beautiful cello where you already get a sense of what the mood is going to be on this record. The feel is very open and big, the instruments are all mixed well, and the vocals are clear. The vocals are performed by Susie McMullen with Jackie Perez Gatz adding some more depth. Everything is very clear, and I can make a little sense of stories and themes without reading the lyrics, which I like. ‘Jimmy’ seems to be having some issues and is asking if we can be raised from a wasteland, so it’s all melancholy and mysterious.
The drums have a great sound, the guitars are heavy in places, understated in others, as you will find throughout the album. As often is the case, it can be the spaces between the notes that have the biggest impact. By the end of the story, glasses are being raised for freedom, so there is some hop… or did Jimmy sadly pass? An excellent opener with a big finish to boot. Impressive.
NEW SADDER YOU
This track seems romantic but sad. The cello adds something that was definitely missing on Brume‘s previous work. Some nice heavy guitar on this track, combined with the vocals and the rumbling bass. There is an atmosphere that embroils with the cello taking over the lead parts, sensitively. Some parts of the vocals are reminiscent of Beth Gibbons from the very excellent, innovative and ground breaking Portishead. ‘New Sadder You’ is not sad by the end… kinda angry… it seems.
FAUX SAVIOR
By listen three, I was already singing along. More of that Portishead feel, and fine vocals indeed. Dark, sinister, beauteous. Who is this ‘Faux Savior’? What is it? ‘Can it devour my sins?’ they ask. Great production. You can really hear the instruments clearly and the space with some echo on the drums, or something. It is perfect. What a great track.
OTTO’S SONG
This is not an instrumental track, but ALMOST is. There are vocals, but not as you imagine. Not sure who Otto is, or was, but this piece holds him in high regard. He even gets an ALMOST guitar solo. Speaking of guitars, guitarist Jaimie Macathie does some vocals on this one. Cool ending.
HOW RUDE
Has maybe the closest thing to anything really metal. I was trying not to mention a genre in this review, but I am writing for The Metal Pit. So, I’lll leave that there. The heaviest track on the record.
HEED ME
The song starts off with a folk theme (is that a hurdy gurdy I can hear?). It’s probably the cello with some effects, but very psychedelic. You get the feel of a medieval forest with some forest beings kinda having some celebration. Hard to describe. ‘What can you do for me?’ is the question asked in the lyric, as someone seems in anguish. Once again, that hurdy gurdy is hypnotic, different, and pretty cool.
RUN YOUR MOUTH
There is something about the key of this track… such soothing vocals, and that ever present cello, poking out of the Brume, that is pulling at my heart strings. When the bass comes in, it is complete… nothing more is necessary. Can’t work out the story here, but some one has definitely been running their mouth and words can’t save them. The penultimate track and it has only added to the mystery and appeal of Brume.
THE YEARN
Last but not least, ‘The Yearn’ is more beautiful music and vocals. I kinda wish there were a couple more tracks. A big finale to a great record. Emotion, depth, sanctity, and peace.
CONCLUSION
Brume have changed direction a little (from what I can make out). I listened to their previous release, Rabbit, which felt heavier (but it was pre-cello). This album will attract a lot of music fans, not only from the metal fraternity, but from fans of Indie and some other places, no doubt. I really hate to make comparisons, but I guess people like to know what something sounds like. My only thoughts with this album are, the mood is a little Portishead with Nick Cave lurking somewhere, but that’s just a general observation. Brume just sounds like… Brume. The band’s earlier work is worth checking out, but watch out, there is more than one Brume on that YT.
Marten, in my humble opinion, is a big step up from their music pre-cello. They have created an atmosphere which is daunting, melancholic, and hopeful in places. The production is excellent with understandable vocals. Afine piece of work. Only praise from me on this one.
Marten is available today, May 3rd, 2024, via Magnetic Eye Records.