Brenn
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Brenn

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | SELF

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | SELF
Band Rock Pop

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"Brenn "Stack Of Fears" Review"

Brenn's new 5-song EP entitled Stack of Fears is an outstanding snapshot of this Nashville band's immense talent. Brenn offers indie alternative rock that is a delicious blend of early U2 (think October), Coldplay, and Depeche Mode. Singer Joel Larabell has a beautifully soaring voice that is easily comparable to the likes of Bono and Chris Martin. Guitarist Jonny Gradone can play his ass off, and the production on Stack of Fears rightly highlights Gradone's ability to blend straight-ahead rock riffs with hair-raising guitar solos. These guys lack nothing, as frontman Larabell can hold his own on piano, and Gradone delivers pitch-perfect backing vocals as strong as any provided by U2's The Edge, and the band's live show is on par with the big arena shows.

All that said, the question remains whether Brenn is merely duplicating what's already been done, or bringing something new to the table. Stack of Fears proves the latter. While all 5 songs are just about perfect, track 3's "Worth Your While" is nothing short of brilliant. If there's one song that captures Brenn's developing signature sound it's this one, as Larabell and Gradone offer cathedral-esque harmonies while the band crescendos into a full-on rock anthem, only to bring it down and then begin again--it's brilliant music. And while Coldplay's Chris Martin continues to be ridiculed for his shallow lyrics, Larabelle's writing is poetic and mature--offering just the right amount of abstraction to hook everyone listening. Look, after seeing these guys live this writer declared Brenn the next band to change the world. Okay, maybe this was overstated. But this EP confirms that Brenn is a super-power, just waiting to be discovered by the world. Do yourself a favor and get Stack of Fears. Fans of Coldplay, U2, Oasis, Depeche Mode, will find much to like here.

— Vincent Wynne, December 4, 2008 - ListenNashville


"Brenn"

“With lush keyboards, soft vocals, and atmospheric electrics, Brenn is stealing the attention of the Nashville music scene and the hearts of each new listener.” - Nylon Magazine


"Nashville Now Rocks"

What started with an eviction notice has now swirled into a band that strives to portray an ultra lush melodic rock sound.

Close friends and partners in crime, the members of the Nashville, Tenn. based band Brenn all met in college and have spent the past few years experimenting with a sound that proves to be ambient and pop driven.

Originally using the name "From Brenda, with love" (in dedication to their previous landlord who handed them their eviction notice on Christmas) the members of Brenn credit influential artists such as Mew, MUSE, Coldplay and Ryan Adams to helping them create a uniquely intricate sound.

Their strength, however, is not just in their music.

"We're all best friends," drummer Chuck Starks said.

"It's more than just our music, it's about companionship."

With a strong bond of friendship, they have formed a strong connection as musicians.



"When we play live, it's a different world. It's emotional," Starks said.

Promising music fans a wild live performance, Brenn will take the stage this Friday at Dinkins ATS Cafe at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 with your Winthrop ID and $7 for the public.

- The Johnsonian-Winthrop University


"Outstanding Nashville Indie Acts"

Add Brenn to the Growing list of Outstanding Nashville Indie Rock Acts

Nashville-based indie rock quartet Brenn was the opening act for headliners (and fellow Nashvillians) Paper Route Friday night at the Exit/In, and their set left me with this thought: "note to self—add Brenn to your short list of bands that will change the world." These guys are that good. Together since 2004, Brenn has steadily built a dedicated following throughout the United States as a result of their crisp ambient studio work (reminiscent of Coldplay and U2), which is securing loads of college-radio airplay, as well as their dynamic live performances that showcase tight harmonies, stellar guitar-work, and a superb rhythm section.

Singer Joel Larabell is gifted with the rare ability to infuse a warm Brit-pop melancholy vibe into everything he sings. From hushed ambient melodies to pitch-perfect falsettos to edgy emotional screams (à la Ryan Adams), Larabell delivers it all with a uniquely warm style that is always a pleasure to hear. He sometimes channels the jazzy melancholy of Chet Baker, then soars into a Chris Martin-esque falsetto and, when appropriate, delivers emotional screams that land perfectly atop chiming ambient guitars. To be sure, guitarist Jonny Gradone achieves a tone similar to U2's The Edge and Pink Floyd's David Gilmore, but can also speed up the pace if necessary. Gradone's backing vocals are worth mentioning as well, as he provides solid harmonies for frontman Larabell. Drummer Chuck Starks holds it all together rhythmically while appearing, at times, as though he's about to come out of his seat—Keith Moon style. The entire package makes for a high-energy performance that combines the ambience and soaring melodies of U2 with the edgy unpredictability of Ryan Adams.

Look for more live shows as well as a full-length LP from Brenn in early 2008. Brenn's music is well-written and well-played, and they should become a household name in the near future. While there's currently a heavy dose of energetic "sugar high" rock music coming out of middle Tennessee, most of this music will last about as long as the sugar high that fuels it. Brenn, however, is creating music that has depth and longevity. Check these guys out asap! —Vincent Wynne

- listennashville.com


"Brenn Review"

Imagine yourself on a blanket on a lawn on a summer evening. You're fully aware that someone is about to set off fireworks. With a raised eyebrow and sarcastic tone, you're thinking, "Oh yeah, this should be fun." The first box of explosives is a dud, but then the next box actually begins to rattle. You look up and see streams of orange and white become multi-colored flourishes expanding as you hear shrieks and booms. You also hear the people around you. "Oooooohhh." "Ahhhhhhh." "That was my favorite." "That's so beautiful." By the next round, you are chiming in as if you are a fearless 8-year-old. When the show is over, you are full of awe.

Fireworks.

That's what Brenn reminds me of.

They are enigmatic, intense and provocative – not your everyday bottle rocket or sparkler – but rather a pyrotechnics dream of spirals, comets, bursts and crackles. Each track on their Come Back To Aria EP features a curiosity-seizing unpredictability of "Where are they going with this? How could this possibly get any better?"

Come Back To Aria offers soaring guitar, intimate keys, driving bass, sanity-questioning taps, fluttering electronic whooshes and gentle yet forceful vocals clamoring for your consideration. The music and lyrics are comparable to that of a supportive friend's hand on your shoulder during a lapse in optimism. "Be What We Can" comforts a new, hesitant relationship, while "Thomas" reminds us to just breathe.

The two must-hear tracks have to be "I Like You I Do" and "Rooms." The first is simply an ingenious achievement of atmosphere – you can hear heartstrings reverberating while maintaining a steady pulse. The second is a study in tone, tempo and structure. I would love to write a video concept for it involving time-lapse technology of a building going up, the band playing on the roof, then falling through people's apartments and offices as the building collapses. Overall, they are engineers of sonic and aural landscapes akin to Muse, Radiohead and Coldplay.

Most of Brenn's songs have those "wait-for-it" and "a-ha" moments. A wait-for-it moment is when the song is in its plateau stage, unbeknownst to you. You think it's nearly over then boom! The band brings it back stronger and better than you ever could have predicted. An a-ha moment is when you hear a short melodic fragment that hooks you, most of the time in the beginning, and you are eager for them to bring it back toward the end, to bring the song full circle. When they do, a-ha, there it is. I love those moments in music.

I once overheard a girl say that Brenn makes music to make-out to. False claims have been made against me as well, in that I like Brenn because they are attractive fellas. Both statements are true in their own way. Make-out music is not a terrible assessment, just an extrinsic one. Dig a little deeper and there's no easy love there, but one that has to be coddled. Kissing is easy, the plausible emotion isn't. As for me, while the members of Brenn are four hot guys, level of attractiveness has never been a key factor in my music tastes. I mean, I love The Cure, but Robert Smith is not exactly my type of dude.

Band mates Joel Larabell (vocals, keys), Jonny Gradone (guitar), Ryan Herrmann (bass) and Chuck Starks (drums) met while attending Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. In 2005, they formed From Brenda With Love, the namesake in dedication to a facetious landlord. The name has since been shortened to Brenn, and a bird logo has been adopted. Jonny further explained the Brenn could refer to many different things such as an island in the Chronicles of Narnia, a World War II light machine gun or "some girl that was each of our lover at one point in time. At least that's what I say … anyway, it's a name, its short and sweet and we like it."

They've since toured relentlessly and have been easily accepted by the local college radio stations before even arriving for the sound check. Live, they writhe and boomerang with every confession. I've seen Joel stomp his size-10 boots so intensely that I anticipated a hole in the stage, Ryan unleash a reluctant pogo, Jonny play while lying on the ground and spinning and Chuck, while a bit constrained behind his kit, stand and pound the mf'ers with all his might.

I asked Jonny about their songwriting process.

"Our song process has changed and is changing right now. Music usually came first in the process. As we get older as a band, we are starting to focus more on lyrics and melodies. I personally think that is the foundation for any song and what makes people come back to a song. We are still and probably will always be trying to find what works best for us. I like to keep it as organic and unforced as possible. The good thing about the four of us is that we have two good starters, Joel and Chuck, and two good finishers, Ryan and me."

Then I caved and asked the loaded question, "Where in the hell did you guys learn all this?"

As it turns out, Jonny is the only player with a few years of guitar under his belt. The others began learning just before Brenn. They are currently considering taking lessons in order enhance their abilities. That astonishes me. They sound more mature and classically trained as if they were born with instruments in hand.

The new songs, that have premiered online and at shows, are definitive of their growth and potential. "Vakate" has a stellar ending that, again, you won't be expecting. Joel adds a few good whoa-oh-oh's in "Secret Mission." But "City Lights" is Chuck's song. His triple-threat kicks own it. While delivering my compliments, he told me that he wrote it while in Pittsburg and missing Nashville.

What's next for Brenn? After the new album is complete, I predict more touring, a SXSW gig and an invite to the Reading or Glastonbury festivals. Lofty? Maybe. Possible? Definitely. - nashvillerock.net


Discography

"Come Back to Aria"(2007)
"Stack Of Fears" (2008)
"The Fury And The Sound" (2010)

TV/FILM
Featured on documentary "Nashville State of Mind"
The Kardashians-E!
Human Giant-MTV
Bad Girls Club-OXYGEN
Dr. Steve-O-MTV
My Super Sweet 16-MTV
Road Rules/Real World-MTV
American Psychic Challenge-Lifetime
The Gauntlet III-MTV
Fearless Music TV Show-FOX
The 10! Show-NBC

RADIO

ALABAMA
WLJS, JACKSONVILLE, AL JACKSONVILLE STATE

ALASKA
KBBI, HOMER, AK
KEUL, GIRDWOOD, AK GLACIER CITY RADIO
KHNS, HAINES, AK
KNOM, NOME, AK

ARIZONA
KJAK, FLAGSTAFF, AZ N. ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
ARKANSAS
KCAC, EAST CAMDEN, AR SAU TECH

CALIFORNIA
KAOS, OLYMPIA, WA EVERGREEN STATE
KCRH, HAYWARD, CA CHABOT COLLEGE
KGAR, LEMOORE, CA
KIDE, HOOPA, CA HOOPA VALLEY CENTER
KSJS, SAN JOSE, CA SAN JOSE UNIVERSITY
KSMC, MORAGA, CA ST. MARYS COLLEGE
KSSU, SACRAMENTO, CA CSU SACRAMENTO

COLORADO
KCSU, COLLINS, CO U. OF CALIFORNIA
KDNK, CARBONDALE, CO
KGNU, BOULDER, CO
KEPC, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO PIKES PEAK COMMUNITY
KMSA, GRAND JUNCTION, CO MESA STATE COLLEGE
KOTO, TELLURIDE, CO
KRFC, FORT COLLINS, CO
KSJD, MANCOS, CO
KURA, OUREY, CO

CONNECTICUT
WWUH, WEST HARTFORD, CT U. OF HARTFORD
WSIN, NEW HAVEN, CT S. CONNECTICUT STATE
WFCS, NEW BRITAIN, CT C. CONNECTICUT STATE
WHUS, STORRS, CT U. OF CONNECTICUT

FLORIDA
WQSP, JACKSONVILLE, FL U. OF NORTHERN FL.
WPRK, WINTER PARK, FL WARREN COUSINO
WNSU, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL NOVA SE UNIVERSITY

GEORGIA
SCADRADIO, SAVANNAH, GA
WVVS, VALDOSTA, GA VALDOSTA STATE

HAWAII
URH, HILO, HI U. OF HILO
KKCR, HANALEI, HI KAUAI COMM. RADIO

IDAHO
KBSU, BOISE, ID U. OF PULSE
KLCZ, LEWISTON, ID
KRFP, MOSCOW, ID

ILLINOIS
CLC, GRAYSLAKE, IL COLLEGE OF LAKE
WARG, SUMMIT, IL ARGO HIGH SCHOOL
WGBK, GLENVIEW, IL
WLCA, GODFREY, IL LEWIS & CLARK COMM.
WMXM, LAKE FOREST, IL
WPGU, CHAMPAIGN, IL U. OF ILLINOIS
WRSE, ELMHURST, IL ELMHURST COLLEGE
WUIC, CHICAGO, IL U. OF ILLINOIS

INDIANA
WSWI, EVANSVILLE, IN U. OF S. INDIANA
WIUX, BLOOMINGTON, IN INDIANA UNIVERSITY
WECI, RICHMOND, IN EARLHAM COLLEGE
WCRD, MUNCIE, IN BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
WBKE, NORTH MANCHESTER, IN

IOWA
KALA, DAVENPORT, IA ST. AMBROSE COLLEGE
KRUI, IOWA CITY, IA U. OF IOWA
KUNI, CEDAR FALLS, IA U. OF NORTHERN IOWA
KWAR, WAVERLY, IA WARTBURG COLLEGE
KWLC, DECORAH, IA LUTHER COLLEGE
KMSC2, SIOUX CITY, IA MORNING SIDE COLLEGE

KENTUCKY
WWHR, BOWLING GREEN, KY

LOUISIANA
KLPI, RUSTON, LA
KNSU, THIBODAUX, LA NICHOLLS STATE
KRVS, LAFAYETTE, LA U. OF S.W. LOUISIANA
KSCL, SHREVEPORT, LA CENTENARY COLLEGE
KNWD, NATCHITOCHES, LA NORTHEASTERN STATE

MAINE
WHSN, BANGOR, ME HUSSON COLLEGE
WERU, EAST ORLAND, ME
WMEB, ORONO, ME UNIVERSITY OF MAINE
WMHB, WATERVILLE, ME COLBY COLLEGE
WMPG, PORTLAND, ME U. OF S. MAINE
WRBC, LEWISTON, ME BATES COLLEGE
WRFR, ROCKLAND, ME
WUMF, FARMINGTON, ME U. OF MAINE
WUMM, MACHIAS, ME U. OF MAINE/MACHIAS
WBOR, BRUNSWICK, ME BOWDOIN COLLEGE

MARYLAND
WMUC, COLLEGE PARK, MD U. OF MARYLAND
XTSR, TOWSON, MD TOWNSON UNIVERSITY
MASSACHUSSETTES
WZBC, CHESTNUT HILL, MA BOSTON COLLEGE
WUMD, NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA U. OF

MASSACHUSETTS
WTCC, SPRINGFIELD, MA SPRINGFIELD TECH
WSCW, WORCESTER, MA WORCESTER STATE
WKKL, WEST BARNSTABLE, MA CAPE COD COMMUNITY
WBRS, WALTHAM, MA BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY

MICHIGAN
CJAM, DEARBORN, MI U OF WINDSOR
WHFR, DEARBORN, MI HENRY FORD COMM.
WIDR, KALAMAZOO, MI W. MICHIGAN UNIV.
WKRK, SOUTHFIELD, MI
WNMC, TRAVERSE CITY, MI NW MICHIGAN COLLEGE
WSDP, CANTON, MI SALEM HIGH
WUPX, MARQUETTE, MI N. MICHIGAN UNIV.
WXOU, ROCHESTER, MI OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

MINNESOTA
KFAI, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
KMSU, MANKATO, MN MANKATO STATE
KUMD, DULUTH, MN
KVSC, ST. CLOUD, MN SCSU
KUMM, MORRIS, MN U. OF MINNESOTA
KSRQ, THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN NORTHLAND COMM.TECH

MISSISSIPPI
WUSM, HATTIESBURG, MS U. OF S. MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI
KOPN, COLUMBIA, MO
KSLU, ST. LOUIS, MO ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY

MONTANA
KBGA, MISSOULA, MT U. OF MONTANA
KDWG, DILLON, MT W. MONTANA COLLEGE

NEBRASKA
CHMR, ST.JOHNS, NE U OF VICTORIA

NEVADA
NVWR, RENO, NV U. OF NEVADA

NEW JERSEY
WCCM, RANDOLPH, NJ COLLEGE OF MORRIS
WGLS, GLASSBORO, NJ ROWAN UNIVERSITY
WMSC, UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ MONTCLAIR STATE
WPSC, WAYNE, NJ WILLIAM PATTERSON

NEW YORK
M3 RADIO, NEW YORK, NY
WBAR, NEW YORK, NY BARNARD COLLEGE
WBNY, BUFFALO, NY BUFFALO STATE
WBSU, BROCKPORT, NY SEYMOUR COLLEGE
WCVF, FREDONIA, NY U. OF NEW YORK
WCVM, MORRISVILLE, NY U. OF NEW YORK
WCWP, BROOKSVILLE, NY LONG ISLAND UNIV.
WDWN, AUBURN, NY CAYUGA COMMUNITY
WFNY, FARMINGDALE, NY U. OF NEW YORK
WGCC, BATAVIA, NY GENESSEE COMMUNITY
WHRW, BINGHAMPTON, NY U. OF NEW YORK
WITR, ROCHESTER, NY ROCHESTER TECH
WPNR, UTICA, NY UTICA COLLEGE
WPUB, NEW YORK, NY PACE UNIVERSITY
WRHU, HEMPSTEAD, NY HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
WRPI, TROY, NY RENSSELEAR INSTITUTE
WSIA, STATEN ISLAND, NY U. OF NEW YORK

NORTH CAROLINA
WNCW, SPINDALE, NC ISOTHERMAL COMM.

NORTH DAKOTA
KN

Photos

Bio

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, the enigmatic sounds of Brenn run the gamut to create a diorama of guitar-driven rock that is as sweeping and grandiose as it is grounded and approachable. Having recently release their debut LP "The Fury And The Sound", Brenn is gathering attention throughout the country with an unmistakable sound that has been recognized by the likes of Nylon Magazine, as well as a performance on New York’ Fearless Music TV (which described them as "one of the most original acts" on their show).

With dynamic synths, piercing riffs and dramatic vocals, Brenn’s musical vistas sweep from the anthemic sounds of Muse, U2 and Radiohead to the dreamy soundscapes one might find sprinkled throughout Sigur Ros or M83. Timeless structures abound throughout each song, combining vintage instrumentation with flourishing layers in order to create a truly unique musical experience.

REVIEWS

“With lush keyboards, soaring vocals, and atmospheric electrics, Brenn is stealing the attention of the Nashville music scene and the hearts of each new listener.”
Adam Sherrett, Nylon Magazine, NYC

"Brenn has a distinct pop rock sound that is sure to please the ears."
Fox’s Fearless Music Television, NYC

“Contagious sound, first-rate songs, and great to work with..they certainly have what it takes to become a household name.”
Jami Osiecki, NBC talent buyer, Philadelphia

"They have a great sound, the students really enjoyed the show, and they couldn’t be nicer to host."
Boyd Jones, Campus Program Director
Winthrop University

"It was a complete joy to work with them for our annual Otterbein Homecoming Concert and they put on such an amazing show that our students are still talking about. They made the concert planning experience enjoyable and we would be glad to work with them again."
Laura Norman, Campus Prog. Board President Otterbein College

“Brenn was fantastic to work with for our Spring Cotillion... made our event effortless.”
Tiffany Adams, Assistant Director of Student Life
Brenau University

"While there's currently a heavy dose of energetic "sugar high" rock music coming out of middle Tennessee, most of this music will last about as long as the sugar high that fuels it. Brenn, however, is creating music that has depth and longevity"
Vincent Wynne, listennashville.com

“Atmospheric pop-rock, a-la U2…very intimate.”
Taxi

"Fireworks. That's what Brenn reminds me of...enigmatic, intense and provocative – not your everyday bottle rocket or sparkler – but rather a pyrotechnics dream of spirals, comets, bursts and crackles."
Jill Garett, nashvillerock.net

“Brenn is not only talented but also business-minded…as a result their single, “I Like You”, received a couple dozen spins per week in the weeks leading up to their concerts.”
Abby Summers, Morning Co-Host Alive 95 Radio

COLLEGE APPEARANCES:

Appalachian State University
Belmont University
Brescia University
Brenau University
Converse College
Elon University
Lambuth University
Lee University
Mount Union College
Ohio University
Otterbein College
Oxford College of Emory
Spring Hill College
UT (Chattanooga)
University of South Alabama
University of Evansville
University of North Carolina
York College of Pennsylvania
Winthrop University
Vanderbilt University