Familial garage rock band JEFF the Brotherhood have announced the March 10th release of Wasted on the Dream, the much-anticipated follow-up to 2012’s Hypnotic Nights.
Judging from the songs the band has released in advance of the album, much of the new material takes advantage of the full-band lineup that the group has embraced recently. Instead of his custom 3-string set up, Jake Orrall has switched to a more traditional guitar, which he uses to awesome effect on blooming stoner rock tracks like “Coat Check Girl” and “What’s a Creep.” Brother Jamin Orrall also plays on a complete drum kit, in addition to adding full-time bassist Jack Lawerence (Dead Weather, Raconteurs).
The album also features guest appearances from such noteables as Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson and Diarrhea Planet’s Evan Bird and Emmett Miller. According to singer/guitarist Jake Orrall:
“We’re more proud of this record than any record we’ve made before. It’s the most time we’ve ever spent writing songs, the most time we’ve ever spent in the studio, and it’s definitely the most fully realized JEFF The Brotherhood record we’ve ever made.”
Both members of the band admit an appreciation for 90’s alternative bands, and it’s easy to spot influences from Weezer to Dinosaur Jr. on the advanced tracks. According to Jamin Orrall, “We envisioned creating something similar in feel to a lot of the rock records that came out in the ’90s, back when bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana were playing big arena shows.”
While 90s nostalgia is at an all time high right now, the band avoids cliches with their tight musicianship and immediately accessible hooks. You’ll also hear some subtle touches that betray their Nashville roots, like the interlocking guitar harmonies that demonstrate an alligiance with Southern rock bands like the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Of course, these are filtered through an alternative rock aesthetic, meaning that it may sound more akin to Duane Allman jamming with Jay Mascis or Billy Corgan than Dickey Betts. Either way, the results are rivetting and could be worth the cost of admission alone.
Wasted on the Dream
01. Voyage Into Dream
02. Black Cherry Pie
03. Cosmic Visions
04. Mystified Minds
05. Melting Place
06. In My Dreams
07. In My Mouth
08. Karaoke, TN
09. Coat Check Girl
10. What’s A Creep
11. Prairie Song
As mentioned above, Wasted on the Dream will be the bands first original full-length album since 2012’s Hypnotic Nights, which was produced by the Black Key’s Dan Auerbach. Though the band released the EP Dig the Classics last year, it was composed entirely of covers songs ranging from Jeff Beck to Pixies.
The band has already planned a few major festival appearances to promote the album after its release. These include industry mainstays like Austin’s SXSW and lesser known festivals, like Santa Ana, California’s Burgerama, both scheduled within weeks of the album’s March release date.
Leave a Comment