Brighton, UK's Brakes features former and current members of British Sea Power, Electric Soft Parade, and the Tenderfoot. Their third album polishes up their sound a bit without sacrificing any of the immediacy or jangle that makes their slightly countrified power-pop so appealing. An exuberant maelstrom of blazing riffs and relentless hooks, fuzz, and squall, with witty lyrics and sing along choruses that are sure to earn the band more devoted followers.
Good band, many influences. Their style seems to change by song. That can be annoying at first listen, but it starts to feel like a mix tape after a few listens. Enjoyable, but not great.
Touchdown is more of a comfortable tap in than an overhead cup winner. It is a safe and capable third outing for these assorted Electric Soft Parade, Tenderfoot and British Sea Power members and collaborators. Their combined indie-rock and distinctive vocal will please fans but not challenge them. Touchdown is the sound of a quirky band having it corners rounded off. This is not necessarily a bad thing as in doing so they are reined in their excess. Hamilton's jarring squawks are no more; their desire to meld indie-rock and alt-country has gone the same way. Touchdown scores points for consistency and listenability, but loses them for being a touch pedestrian. Pedestrians do not have brakes, but wagons do. Be grateful then that these Brakes have no desire to jump the closest bandwagon.