Braison Cyrus – From Now On
This self-produced showcase was recorded in Nashville & it takes a few listens to get past the effects clutter on this otherwise fine alternative country blend of modern folk. Not quite as expansive in scope; purists need to get to track 3 to hear Braison as himself. It’s a good, reflective set of tunes, but it doesn’t get out of the starting gate as fast as it should.
I’m not a big fan of heavy vocal treatments, & the opener “From Now On” is melodically sound. Tennessee-born Braison’s voice is reliably good & tender if sung from the heart & not through circuitry. The song is weighed down by over-saturated echo & sounds like it was recorded in a tenement hallway or tiled bathroom. Why it’s so popular in numerous lo-fi indie music genres is beyond me. I feel it restricts the singer’s true vocal talent. It’s all effects with little sincerity or warmth. It relies on an element of superficiality.
There are 8 attempts at goal on From Now On (Dropped March 13/Billion Streams/33:00) & early tunes like “Atlantis,” find Braison’s voice again drenched in echo that’s not needed. The song sounds touching. It’s a well-written piece, poignant, & precise despite high-pitched juvenile backup vocals. Braison’s quite good, but the thinness of the production detracts from the potential beauty of the composition. The female vocal isn’t entirely grating if the echo is solely on her vocal like a disembodied “voice” against Braison’s purer vocal. The quality would be moving; the gimmick would be used wisely.
“Know This” is delightfully on target despite some colorful language. Its instrumentation is tight, upbeat & wonderfully gutsy. Braison’s vocal is now authoritative, exuberant in a Mumford & Sons-type attempt on goal. He scores.
Reliance on the vocal treatments is the biggest misstep. Braison’s not alone. It’s used too much. “Another Year” is another fine composition. Sung with a restrained voice that doesn’t lose itself in the song’s spirit. Lovely melody & harmonies. “Here In the Middle” has a bit of a James Taylor vocalism & is another score, though the female vocal is only effective when she sings with Braison. “One More Life” doesn’t sound like James Taylor, but Braison applies that quality & tradition to the song & it shows.
“As Long As You Stay,” & “Looking Forward To The Past” (one of the best) are showcased incisively. There’s no lack of songwriting quality. Braison has relevant pieces, but he needs a broom to get rid of some of the dust, & then he’d be a troubadour worth checking out. I will.
Highlights – “Know This,” “Another Year,” “Here In the Middle,” “As Long As You Stay,” “One More Life” & “Looking Forward To The Past.”
Musicians/Vocalists – Sierra Lundy, Miley & Noah Cyrus, Jordo, Clou, Grizfolk, Tyler Ramsey & Birdtalker.
CD @ Apple & iTunes + https://braisoncyrus.com/