Brakesbrakesbrakes "Touchdown"

"All i grew is disillusioned and a little bit older", sings Eamon Hamilton on the opening track of Brakesbrakesbrakes' third album "Touchdown". Though i'm late on this April 2009 release (hey, i'm catching up!) the sentiment is timeless. I'd call this indie rock if it didn't make it sound so boring. From angular and simmering, ala Jesus and Mary Chain, they move seamlessly into a more garage sound, best expemplified on the exciting and brief "Red Rag" and further still into warm, toe-tapping country tinged on tracks like "Eternal Return" and "Crush on You." The lyrics are clever, their harmonies are delightful, the songs are succinct and Hamilton's voice would please fans of Clinic or Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel.) If this band became a dude it'd be your friend's older brother circa 96 who always wears the same comfortable sweater and likes star wars but also rips at guitar. At their worst they have a silly band name and sound a bit dated, but that all depends on your outlook. I'll leave you with that and hopefully get better at writing reviews before next time!
Favorite tracks: "Crush on You", "Two Shocks"