Review: Braddan Fassa
Sit back and get ready for summer.
REVIEWS
5/25/20242 min read
Next up is Nebraska’s own Braddan Fassa and their 2023 album – On The Water
This 12 track offering is perfect as we start to enter the summer months. It’s thoughtful, chilled and has such a great vibe throughout. There is a modern feel with some excellent songwriting on display. It certainly harks back to the era of storytelling in songs and creates a great landscape which you can’t help but get immersed in. Here are a few of our favourite tracks:
The opener and title track “On the Water” is truly beautiful. It jingles and jangles along making you lose your cares as it progresses. The vocal soars from a reflecting verse into an epic, built-up chorus which is instantly recognisable even though you’ve never heard it before. The guitar fills are effortless and make great segways between verses and choruses. This is a blissful start and a signpost to what is coming.
“Castle Made of Sand” is another beautiful track which pays homage to great artists of the past like Neil Young and Bob Dylan. The guitar work on this track is understated but melts perfectly into the song. This song takes you on a journey and the vocal is particularly strong on this one too. The song is crafted to perfection and it really is a joy to spend nearly 4 minutes in the world of Bradden Fassa
“Lincoln Highway” ups the tempo a little and shows another dynamic to the band. This one is reminiscent of prime Tom Petty but with a modern, crisp sound. The song flows and ebbs with a great passion that draws you in. Once again the signature guitar ties the song together so well and it just clicks.
The true genius of Braddan Fassa is they never stick to one particular genre. It is hard to pigeonhole them which is an amazing trait. Are they country? Is it folk or indie? They blend so many styles to create something of their own. Take “She’s a Lovely Girl” for example. This wouldn’t sound out of place on a 60’s album with its keyboard wizardry and sweet sing-along chorus.
There is something for everyone here/ From the folk-driven “All About You” to the country vibes of “Flesh Wound “ and “Mid Summer Nights” to the pop flavour of “Song for You”. You also have to hear “Testament” which is one of the most graceful, beautiful songs we have heard in a long time.
For Fans of: Bob Dylan, James, Tom Petty and music with soul.
Find them on Spotify and other platforms