The Felice Brothers – From Dreams to Dust
On their latest release, From Dreams to Dust, out now, The Felice Brothers balance their late night revivalism, stream of consciousness lyricism, and quiet intimate moments as they embrace their roots and push beyond settled boundaries. At once reminder the longtime fan of the days of Frankie’s Gun and Radio Song while simultaneously finding greater depth in the slow driven piano ballad, on From Dreams to Dust The Felice Brothers showcase where they’ve been and where they’re going. Avid folk fans and songwriters looking for a master class in the craft sign on for the ride.
Each song on this record could be the jumping off point for an exegesis in the gospel of The Felice Brothers imbued with their philosophy of wild abandon combined with quiet reflection. The Felice Brothers embody an approach to life in song – heart on their sleeve open to experience whether it hurts or not. “Jazz on the Autobahn,” “Silverfish” and “Money Talks” jump to the forefront to showcase the variety of sonic highways traversed on this collection.
“Jazz on the Autobahn” is reminiscent of early records with the “whoo, hoo, hoo” and near tribal drum beat paired with bright piano and slipstream lyrics.
“Silverfish” embraces the intimate and profound moments found in the small side of life: paper wasp, centipedes, and cross-continental conversations captured in a meme. The accompanying video is as powerful as the song “Silverfish” itself – this group of brothers’ talents never seem to wane.
“Money Talks” begins with a dystopian vocal diatribe that could fit neatly on Deerhunter’s Why Hasn’t Everything Disappeared Already before bristling with bass driven ride and a dark message. “Money talks with a voice as shrill as the hiss of a chemical spill.”
“We Shall Live Again” shifts gears and focuses on the opportunistic attitude that comes in the midst of a cross country train ride seemingly without. The limbo between where we’ve been and where we’re going can induce anxiety in many, but The Felice Brothers find comfort and solace able to abandon past pressure while keeping future expectations at bay in their moment of transit as if the act of traveling itself is an act of salvation. Over a bevy of piano, accordion, and slow marching snare The Felice Brothers share the beauty of their reflection with the listener.
On From Dreams to Dust The Felice Brothers have released a strong contender for album of the year. “To-Do List,” “Valium,” and “Blow Him Apart” could have easily been the focus of this review as could any other three or four tracks from this collection; a twelve track record without a dud or misstep is an increasingly rare feat these days and yet The Felice Brothers make it sound easy. From Dreams to Dust was recorded at The Church in Harlemville, NY by James Felice and Nate Wood, mixed by Mike Mogis, and mastered by Nate Wood. If you’ve ever enjoyed The Felice Brothers in the past and drifted away, From Dreams to Dust will bring you back into the fold. If you’ve never heard The Felice Brothers, this album is a great entry point! Do your soul and your ears a favor and scoop up a copy of this record as soon as you can.
Find more information here: http://www.thefelicebrothers.com