TheWunderTales, the second release by sibling duo BrotherSister, is a distinct album of intricately crafted songs embroided with a sincere sense of melancholy and nostalgia. With an outstanding blend of electronic drumbeats, vibrant keyboards and warm cello lines, this LP is a promising release from a band with a lot to offer.
The journey begins with the haunting Lome, were a synthetic harpsichords provides the basis for Xavia Nou’s firm vocal presence. The dry husky voice of brother Dante soon takes over the lead with Drop, were the processed drums become more prevalent. Guin is a highlight, with a dirty guitar countered by a floating melody, indicative of the intricate song-craft from the sibling combination. With this in mind it is amazing to believe that this album has been conceived by siblings often oceans apart.
The pace slows down towards the centre of the album with Given Truth, which perhaps lingers a little too long. Garden Moon is a sweet song, and one of the more youthful and consistently optimistic songs in this journey. The LP picks up with Still Run, full of intertwining pianos and dual vocals. This is followed by We Hung which has a sinister edge contrasted with a distinct melody. Long For provides a comic relief; a bright and cheerful song defined by its ‘chipmunk’ vocal line that may have been better served with a something more natural.
The spooky Neverhead with its swaggering air and complementing string movement features Dante’s voice at its best. With a jittery bass line and dirty drums In out presents a moving instrumental, evoking a sense of isolation and uncertainty. Finishing off the album is Xavia’s tender and delicate singing in Autumn Leaves.
However, even though the music is evocative, it lacks the sense of desperation and thematics insinuated in their live sound. It is much less challenging and more conventional than anticipated. Similarly the vocal tracks at points are limited. Regardless, this is still an excellent record and a clear gauge that there is an abundance of talent beginning to develop from this promising duo.
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