Sour Bruthers releases EP

Sour Bruthers release debut EP

BANDCAMP: https://palemonsters.bandcamp.com/track/all-this-time-we-wait

Tim Sour on vocals/guitar and Bill on vocals/bass, but these songs wouldn’t pack the same wallop if the band’s lineup didn’t include the presence of second guitarist/vocalist Mikey A and drummer Tony Lunni.

The CD lifts off the ground nicely with Track 1 with “Sinkin’ Down” a rock solid intro statement serving up well placed slide guitar, Cowbell, sizzling guitar solo and I the pocket horn section. Track 2 “Better Days” Keeps things moving in the right direction while “3AM” is a heartfelt flowing Piano laden ditty that serves up an twangy guitar-driven groove, meshed against impassioned vocals and sad but true soulful melody and lyrics from Sour. The EP makes a strong first impression, dashing out 3 very solid songs in a row. “All I want” shifts gears a bit with its Bon Jovi-ish “Bad Medicine” rocking feel via steady groove, methodical vocal flow painted against slamming solo guitar and grand slam chorus. “Wash Away” is another methodical groove that dishes out a rock steady R&B rhythm, sweet guitar solo, well placed keyboard accents that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition.

The musicianship involved is above the bar. I would classify this music as classic Midwestern Rock n’ Roll with R&B flair with brief touches of Americana and Soul rock. Sour Bruthers music is reminiscent of classic Bob Jovi, BTO, George Thurogood and John Cougar. Along the way you will notice lush instrumentation with well-placed solo guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Organ, sporadic saloon style Piano and Horns, lush harmonies all built upon a ‘thick as a brick’ rhythm section. What I like the most about Sour Bruthers is how well they seem to groove together, testament to hundreds of hours of writing and rehearsal time no doubt. Now turning our attention up front on Bill Sour. As for his vocal abilities – he’s the perfect singer for a Midwestern band like this. His voice goes down smooth and fills the space peacefully and unobtrusively with a timbre that is s bit infectious. He keeps reminding me of Jon Bon Jovi behind the microphone – which is a good thing. He commands an effective baritone. All songs are extremely well crafted and consistent across the board – world class Songwriting. All production aspects check out. Within the sonic spectrum I enjoyed the solid low end punch and the crystal clear high end clarity – a very warm mix. My favorite thing about this EP is its solid consistency and red hot solo guitar work. This latest effort from Sour Bruthers delivers 6 solid timeless tracks all providing musical enjoyment filled with strong musical variety and diversity. The music of The Sour Bruthers has everything you would expect from a world class EP. The EP ends with Track 6 “Release Me” the perfect finale statement for an EP like this.

It’s hard to find any serious weaknesses with this EP. All songs under 3 minutes feel like incomplete statements to me. I like the vocal delivery from Bill Sour well enough however sometimes I wish he would take more vocal risks here and there showcasing more emotion, power and in your in your face intensity.

From start to finish, the Soul Bruthers debut EP is an impressive collection of music. The songwriting is gold standard – full of consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair, and signature groove. Note for note, song for song, there isn’t really a weak piece in this entire catalog. The writing and playing abilities of this 4 piece are rock solid. The melodies and harmonies are well crafted, and the lyrical content is packed to the hilt with good old-fashioned conventional wisdom. At the end of the day Sour Bruthers bring the mojo and prove good old fashioned Rock n’ Roll is alive and well in Chicago.

Score: 8.5/10 Stars

Zachary Rush