Review: Scott Bricklin “Scott Bricklin”

Singer/songwriter
Scott Bricklin, of the underrated 80s pop band Bricklin and the underrated 90s pop rock band Martin’s Dam, and the underrated pop/folk rock super group 4 Way Street, and more recently, US Rails, is back with his own self-titled release.

The dozen songs on the new CD find Scott Bricklin fusing his melodic roots with his recent leanings in Americana and folk rock. It is a winning combination that benefits from intelligent lyrics, warm harmonies, and compelling chord changes. The opening track, “Miracles” embodies all of the elements of a perfect modern pop rock song. It is easy going, with a chorus that is as welcoming as the sun shining on your skin. Similarly, “Down For The Count” boasts another happy-go-lucky melody that provides buoyancy to the reflective lyrics. Bricklin’s controlled delivery and gentle glide up into his falsetto provide the icing on the cake. “A Night With You” merges Bricklin’s love for Beatlesque melodies and Americana, producing a real gem of a tune that would have made George Harrison proud.

Other highlights include the driving anthem “Straight Into A Wall”, with its perfect mix of acoustic and electric guitars providing a natural backdrop for Bricklin’s mild rasp, and the Lennon-inspired “Dark Clouds, Blue Skies”. There’s also a beautiful little love song in the heartfelt “Nothing More Than You”, but one of my favorite tracks is the thought-provoking “Then and Now”, with lyrics that frame life’s journey as a big picture. Overall, “Scott Bricklin” is a wonderfully consistent record with a pace that ebbs and flows, and it will become a staple soundtrack for lazy days.

Definitely check this one out if you are a fan of Martin’s Dam, Rhett Miller, or Pete Yorn. I’ve been waiting a long time for a release like this one to come from Scott Bricklin, and it was well worth the wait. The record is available now through his web site below.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10

Scott Bricklin on MySpace. Official site.

Listen to “Miracles”