Brandtson

Dial In Sounds
2002

Reviewed by:
Will Davidian
Cleveland, Ohio’s Brandtson, hone and define their sound on their third full-length, Dial in Sounds.  This Midwestern rock band has been commonly identified with the terms of post-hardcore, emo and indie rock throughout their careers.  Dial in Sounds incorporates aspects of all those genres – with the intensity of post-hardcore, the cathartic melodies commonly associated with emo and the technical instrumentation often tied to indie rock.  Perhaps the greatest aspect of this record is its pop-sensibility and catchiness. Brandtson’s songwriting is deliberate - putting together tuneful melodies with a solid and purposeful structure with subject matter that includes thoughtful reflections on relationships (“Little Rounder”, “With Friends Like You”)  and heartbreak (“The Rookie Year”, “Guest List”), feel-good moments (“Some Kind of Jet Pilot”)  and childhood recollection (“Cherokee Red”).

Brandtson bombards you with melodic guitar lines that range from mellow to aggressive; while the album’s thick and layered sound gives it a strong presence.  The vocals are mighty impressive, as drummer Jared Jolley and Myk Porter share vocal duties, and at the album’s most special moments, perform harmonies and beautiful overlapping vocals.  This is best executed on the album’s finale, “Fireworks and Phonecalls”. Other standout tracks include, “Command Q, Command Z” with a unique song structure that’s nonetheless very catchy, “Anything and Everything” with a chorus that begs to be sung and “Cherokee Red”, which will have you recalling your fondest childhood memories.

Overall, Dial in Sounds is a quintessential emo record.  Its songwriting and combination of various underground subgenres with the polish and catchiness of pop put Brandtson in the league of their more notable Midwestern contemporaries - The Get-Up Kids and The Promise Ring.  This is definitely recommended listening for almost any mood that you’re in.  Pop it in and be prepared to sing along!