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In an attempt to profile the Pacific Northwest Goth, Industrial and Deathrock scenes I've decided to review some of the best acts in our area. It's my esteemed pleasure to introduce probably one of my favorite local musicians, Brett Estep. I've known Brett ever since I started out in the my halcyon Gothic Rock days as a baby bat back when we both worked late night in a local Coffee shop together and his dark melodic overtones has always garnered him a huge Romantigoth following. He has an uncanny ability to sing something sweet that melts even the most hardened black vinyl heart.
First song up is Blastline; A high energy and somewhat trippy new wave ballad. Rifts are filled with a rather lovely psycadellic synth background with a tight drum section that keeps the song moving quickly. As it is a live track you can definitely feel the energy in the room on this track.
Bracing, Super Lo Fi Mix; Brett really shows his bittersweet melodic roots on this lovely track. Pulling and strumming your heartstrings with each dulcet rift. I love the fact that he seems to include more electronic elements as his music evolves. A solid step above the acoustic tracks he's had in times past with the single guitar. His voice however has never ceased to amaze me.
Bebs; A rather fantastic folk style Romantigoth ballad, the song contains something of an autobiographical feel. Almost Shakespearean in its flow it lends itself to a story within a story as it opens up before you.
Holy Water; A fine commentary on the dichotomy of Blind faith versus Wonder and Imagination it hearkens back to earlier days of Simon and Garfunkel. One of Brett's finer acoustic sets, it really feels almost like a heroes story unfolding into a greater and grander journey.
Brett continues to amaze me with each and every new song he writes. A lot of local musicians in the Pacific Northwest and in particular the Eugene area tend to become rather stagnant in their style and sound. Each track I find with Brett almost reminds me of the earlier days of Leonard Cohen or even Robert Smith in that his writing consistently changes and evolves while continually telling a story that anyone regardless can feel. All while retaining a sense of boyhood charm, innocence, and wonder that many seem to forget in today's jaded music scene. Keep an eye out for this Northwest artist; he will continue to surprise you.
Dza Devlesa
Dr. Raven
http://www.myspace.com/doctor_raven
Contact info can be found at www.myspace.com/brettestep
- Dr. Raven - Gothic Rock Journalist
Discography
Tropical Disease (1993 ): Cassette Self-Release
Hope, Love, Fortune, Seal To You : The Songs of Al Frisco (1997) - Guest Vocalist
The Fnords - Bard's Hollow (2002): A Celtic collaboration with Jon Kern. Guitars, back-up and lead vocals.
Sunspots (2003): CD Self-Release
Nerd Ball II Compilation - Various Artists (2004) : 2 songs featured.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Brett Estep is an Oregon singer/songwriter, who combines elements of rock, folk, blues, punk, jazz, Celtic, country, opera, and experimental music. He is a singer by nature, multi-instrumentalist, and has been playing guitar since age 7. A 3 year study of opera was laid to rest in order to pursue a growing interest in his solo performances.
Brett had already developed a loyal fan base at The Campus Glenwood in Eugene, and began branching out to other Northwest venues. In 1998 he formed the band Aether Bunnies featuring stand up bass, Turkish hand percussion, and effected acoustic guitar.
He was a member of the goth-folk duo Brett & Rick, the Celtic project Fnords, a Capella group The Y-Knotz, and has done studio work as a vocalist, bass player, guitarist, and contributed to several experimental/noise projects under various guises.
He is a revolving door member of the electric-violin-glam-punk band Mad Orange Fools with Zy O Lyn (formerly of Middlemarch, and Brian Jonestown Massacre).
He is a regular performer at festivals such as Oregon Country Fair, Old Peak Jam, Nerd Ball (annual benefit for Geeks Without Borders), and plays at numerous venues throughout the Northwest.
He has opened for acts as varied as Curtis Salgado, Fran Gray, Lost At Last, John Garcia, The Divided, Empty Room, and has collaborated on stage with experimental guitarist Scott Huckabay.
The music ranges from rock, folk, country, a Capella, traditionals, and the occasional random cover tune. He performs using acoustic, and baritone guitar, e-bow, cello bow and effects.
He is currently working on a full-length studio album.
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