[rating=9.00]
If you’re familiar with Water Liars, than you know the sheer power of their gorgeous vocal harmonies. And one of those voices is the supremely talented songwriter and musician Andrew Bryant. Bryant’s planted his roots in Mississippi, where the landscape and lifestyle clearly influence his sound. As the drummer for Water Liars, he is set a bit further back, contributing deep, low harmonies. But on his debut solo record, This is the Life, the rich depth of his voice is front and center.
“Do What You Love” opens the record, with unforgettable harmonies that sound as though they’re flowing out of the speakers and completely filling every corner of the room. A simple, non-fussy tune with a straightforward message, “Do What You Love” is thoughtfully crafted and never rushed, much like the record as a whole. It’s evident that Bryant has taken great care to put this album together. There is no wasted space and each song packs its own punch, whether melancholy, dark or driving.
The beauty is in the details, here, like the repeating guitar riff between verses on standout “Losing My Shit” which elevates the song and makes you want to play it again and again. Life has elements of gritty garage rock, Southern rock, and alt-rock, and “Losing My Shit” is the perfect hybrid of all three. “The man inside me wants it all/I paid my dues for far too long/But when I lose my shit in a song/It’s a beautiful thing,” he sings. Hear, hear – we’re lost in it with you.
“The Free” is Bryant’s most impressive vocal performance on the record. His uninhibited, full-bodied voice takes on a haunting, soulful life of its own, and the harmonies are so filled with gorgeous tragedy. The steel guitar thread adds a quiet intensity to this tune, piercing and hitting you right in the heart.
“Keep it Together” is the darkest moment, with stormy, driving guitar and more of those moody harmonies. “It Takes Time” has a retro guitar and keyboard melody that lends it timelessness, and some of the strongest – and saddest – songwriting on the record. Bryant is skilled in capturing life’s small tragedies and turning them into vivid Americana songs that delve deep into our consciences, gripping us and never letting us go.
“I Want You” and “Fool Heart” are juxtaposed love songs, back to back. “I Want You” is emotional and wrenching, and “Fool Heart” is gloomy and foreboding. The power and impact of “Fool Heart” lie in its repetitive verses, and the ominous instrumentals. “I Want You” is all messy romance, imperfect and heavy, but lush and beautiful like a Southern lullaby. And both have nuanced guitar riffs that stick with you long after they’re gone, something each song on Life possesses.
Andrew Bryant has a voice you won’t soon forget, and one we’ll hopefully hear more of as time goes on. This is the Life is a record you’ll want to return to over and over this year.
