Brites - Dim Moon

This is their first major album release, they are from all around Michigan. I've heard them live twice, both same venue at the Snuggly Mug, Bay City. If you read my December postings they are mentioned, by the way. But now that I've actually talked to Chad and Michelle, I think it's time I put up an album review. It was fun acting like mimes, bowing, dancing, curtsying outside after the show and talking about art :) It was just an awesome show all around :)
Brites are an indie, pop, folk band from Clio, MI, but with the times they have changed locations a few times... with college and life. They are influenced by many different musical genres and artists. The first song, "Oh, Angela! Queen of the Falling Frozen Water" sticks true to their own style, using Michelle's flute styling with the banjo. It is one of my favorite songs with a fantastic hook that is used throughout the whole song. The simple phrase "I won't, I can't wait anymore.. for the familiar. for you" with the music, it just sounds awesome. "Once Friend, Twice Again" moves at a slower pace, with a quieter tone yet keeps an uptight tempo that they are known to have, "in the most tired hours, he sounds the beat, and he answered our prraaaaaaayerrs" awesome, this song is relatively mellow but awake enough to keep your brain connecting, yet you can sleep to it. "Swimming Poultry" is next, the calm lyrics are accompanied by the relaxing drums with the twangs of the banjo and guitar. So pretty. The harmonies bring it together and make it easy to sway to. "It Coughs Up, It's Fine" proceeds, starting with the banjo with the chorus being one giant hook, with the drums bringing it together and a bob of the head begins..."The Iargo Springs" is more upbeat, with a folk pop sound much like Sufjan Stevens-- one of the artists who they cover very well :) The next tune is "The Jubbjub Bird and the Bandersnatch are the Least of our Problems" and the title clearly shows a love of Lewis Carroll's childhood story, Alice in Wonderland and it takes a more rapid beat using the many instruments that they have the talent to play, and with all the noises it creates an atmosphere much like that of Alice's world. "Inside the Upside Down House Home" is next. I instantaneously know this song because it one that is a mainstay on their live sets. Why is that? Great involvement of many instruments and a great song that changes paces. "Luna" is next and is one of their most listened to songs, so you should check it out! "West Michigan," a song about where they go to college, with the harsh winters and changing seasons. Overall a wonderful indie/pop/folk album, with songs that are filled with humor, Alice in Wonderland references, many instruments being utilized to create a distinct sound that is Brites.