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J.Briozo - Deep in the Waves (2017)



OFFICIAL: http://www.jbriozo.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jbriozo/

Written by Larry Robertson, posted by blog admin

Vocalist Jeff Crandall of Swallows debuts as his solo alter-ego J. Briozo and drops a varied, exciting debut with Deep in the Waves.  Featuring an eclectic mixture of upbeat, rocking tunes heavy on the guitar to more ambient, contemplative compositions, there’s something for everybody here.  Though featuring some of his Swallows’ band mates; Jeff still takes his music into several new directions throughout and comes up with a winner of a record that gets in your head and stays there. 

Opener “Blind” is a layered dream-pop piece with mellow guitar work, a heavy emphasis on keyboards textures and rhythmic restraint while Crandall croons in a breathy, vibrato-rich voice that works up some superb hooks.  The end result reminds of Radiohead’s trippiest work and gently flows into the acoustic strum of the title track.  His vocals take a bluesy turn on this one as the music continues to build itself up slowly and sturdily by adding percussive crashes, multi-tracked guitar and chamber strings.  “Beautiful Mess” features some of the record’s most expressive, passionate lyrics playing out across gorgeous acoustic melodies and subtle electric guitar fuzz (that delivers some stellar leads much later on).  A rousing chorus that benefits from a three-part vocal harmony and some subtle cello/violin accompaniment; each flourish combining together for a delectable whole.  As the tune crosses the midpoint it kicks up a steady drum beat and some deep bass grooves, casting a subdued rock n’ roll edge to Crandall’s epic pop structuring. 

“Spinning Out” is a straight-up rocker with southern influences, twanging acoustic/electric trade-off, a real fireball of a chorus, tightly wound vocal harmonies and frenetic guitar licks.  If you listen closely (especially with headphones), you’ll hear some psychedelic Hammond organ in the background that crafts this masterpiece into a lost 70s southern rocker.  It’s easily one of the album’s finest cuts.  Consisting of nothing more than Jeff’s tender voice, vast string arrangements and acoustic guitar “Rain Song” dials down the mood into a candlelit gem that’s all about settling into a mood.  A crunchy blues-rocker with full tilt stream of consciousness lyrics renders “The Big Parade” as one of the most energetic tunes on the record.  Always willing to experiment with different themes and textures, Crandall adds a mariachi horn section to the proceedings that really jazzes things up. 

The lively “Catatonia” splits the difference between acoustic and electric augmentations which takes Jeff’s vastly different realms and merges them together.  Deep bass licks and steady-handed drumming propel the song forward while one acoustic guitar holds a rhythm and the other adds some scorching licks.  A soft bedding of keyboards and symphonic strings glues all of the disparate elements together, cohesively.  Another version of Crandall’s take on the blues appears in the mid-tempo shuck of “Las Cruces.”  It ebbs slowly, cautiously; starting off acoustic and delicately adding electric layers overtop.  The orchestral, chamber style pop of “Firefly” is minimalistic when it comes to instrumental busyness but packs a plethora of viola, cello, booming tablas and grand harmony vocals for a very full feel.  A similar vein is mined on the Western-themed glory heard in “Camera Obscura,” a tune that’s help to sandwich in the acoustic bliss of “Blue.”  “Santa Cruz” is another piece that is right in line with “Firefly” and “Camera Obscura.”  Closer “Sun Sun True” rides a crest of grandiose acoustic guitar twinkle, slamming drums, mariachi horns and groovy swipes of electric guitar.  An overflow of harmony vocals lends the track a 60s, West Coast psyche pop vibe. 

Deep in the Waves is a fantastic debut for Crandall.  It shows another side of his instrumental and compositional attributes and there’s nary a dull moment.   This record is melodic, rocking, wide and grand in scope and is expertly arranged so that each track compliments the ones around it; highly recommended for fans of experimental rock music.
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