Introspective, Compelling, Wandering, Self Discovery

Brother Elsey, an indie folk rock band based in Detroit, Michigan, released an album on January 31, 2025 called Brother Elsey that feels as intimate as it does expansive. The 13-track collection within this album dives into an emotional depth exploring themes of self-sabotage, longing and the uncertainty of youth. Produced by Drew Long, known for his work with KALEO and Judah & The Lion. (via Rock and Roll Globe) 

Siblings formed the band Brady Stablein (vocals and guitar), Beau Stablein (bass) and Jack Stablein (lead guitar), along with honorary member Dalton Thomas (drums). The band is named after their great-grandfather, Elsey, honoring their musical lineage. (via Missing Piece Group) The band resides on the record label River House Artists, a full-service music company. 

“Passing Through,” the album opener, is the first notable song, and is the only track without drums. It provides an excellent contrast to every song that follows it, setting a strong and deep theme for the listener. The song suggests a connection to the fluidity of life and how each listener will have their own pace within their own story. The lack of drums, which are meant to establish the tempo and pace of the song, allows the listener to step into the album at their own pace. The band further suggests the connection comparing themselves and the listener to the action of passing through life, for example “water in a river” and “a rolling stone” both exhibiting unpredictability and undefined by any single structure or instance. 

The symbolic folk band does not stop there as their next song of the album is “Bad Advice” pushing the listeners straight into the desire to, “roll the dice” and “get some bad advice,” suggesting a willingness to embrace reckless behavior as a form of escape. This irresponsible behavior and repetition of “bad advice” indicates a pattern of seeking out guidance that leads to adverse repetitive outcomes. The transition from “Passing Through” to “Bad Advice” emphasizes emotional turmoil, showing how life can create inner conflict and catch up with the narrator. The song “Bad Advice” throughout its structure increases the linear arrangement, where the track makes a more expansive, entire wall of sound and frequencies in each section. This effect suggests decisions in life matter and add up over time, such as the song itself, both visually and audibly. 

As each song passes, after such a strong introduction, the band demonstrates the complexities of young adulthood, addressing themes like self-sabotage in “Wrong Things” and the uncertainty of the future in “Silver Tongue.” As the album progresses, the closing track, “Dreamer,” provides a sense of hope. The song suggests the power of overcoming obstacles, offering a moment of optimism and resilience after a journey filled with emotional turbulence. 

The band will tour this spring in support of it’s debut self-titled album. The tour kicks off on April 2 in Minneapolis, MN, and will include stops in Chicago, Madison, and Indianapolis before wrapping up at the Home Sweet Home Fest in Bentonville, Arkansas, from April 24 through April 26.

Tour Dates:

4/2: Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry

4/3: Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen

4/4: Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon

4/5: Indianapolis, IN – Turntable

4/24-26: Bentonville, AR – Home Sweet Home Fest

Fans can expect to hear new tracks from Brother Elsey, which was released in January 2025, during this tour. The band also has an option on its website to request a show if none are nearby.