The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra

"Just when you think you've heard enough songs about Old Red (we've already ran with him, danced with him and had sympathy for him), along come Limerick groove rockers The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra with a fresh and fiery new take on devil worship. A reckless, grinding gem." - Hot Press

"Apply a liberal spread of intelligent lyrics - rare, rare commodities - and biting humour (of the clever variety) - and you have a truly unique prospect on the Irish music scene." - Dublin Rocks

"… a superb, joy-filled, dervish of an album. Theatrical and thoroughly entertaining musical collective that produce some powerful music." - The Limerick Leader

…a grown-up album of inspirational songs, wonderful harmonies and interesting song structures. The main quality I love about the album is the infusion of fun which flows throughout the album.” - 2 U I Bestow

Refusing to sing in an American twang, the nine-piece The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra are full of surprises.‘Grace Jones’ begins with a hopping drum and strings riff that induces a mischievous Pink Panther-esque tone before transforming into a slow and lilting ballad. Just as you’re lulled into relaxation, Ann Blake’s vocals are interrupted by a sultry jazz riff, with violins lending an Irish ambience to the track. ‘Soon!’ also employs decidedly traditional strings, but gorgeously austere lead vocals, great harmonies and an irresistible hook make it a modern and addictive feel-good summer song.

‘The Last of Me’ sounds like a fantastic song for the villain of a Broadway musical, with most of the band members singing on the track, showcasing the unifying energy and great sense of fun they share. This marching showtune is followed by the beautifully emotive ‘Summit’ and inspiring ‘All Turns to Dust’, which echo and lilt like The Swell Season’s subtler sister, though Ann Black conveys the emotion of each song more readily than brother David, whose performance can would benefit from greater ambition.

Lowering The Tone is so diverse it ought to feel confused. But, in truth, the accomplished, infectious performances and blend of styles make The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra difficult to define – and impossible to ignore. - Hot Press Magazine

Lowering the Tone , Silly Goose Records ****

There is smart, there is clever and there is the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra, an Irish band that would have certain people (that is, me) running for the hills if their music was merely smart- ass without insight and clever- clogs without grounding. But BPLO pass the Pretension Test every time. Just when you think they’re more throwaway than a used nappy, a line or melody (or something even more nuanced) reminds you that they wear their influences casually. The band is comprised of siblings James, Ann and David Blake (who

writes all the lyrics and music), and a motley collection of musicians. The lyrically deft songs switch from Waits-like festivities and Arcade Fire-type ceremonies to tunes of agreeable whimsy and assured pop sensibility. If you can stomach the band’s “ooh- aren’t-we-the-droll-bright- young-things” name, then you’ll have a ball. Lowering the tone? Raising the bar, more like. See bplo.org - The Irish Times

Arcade Fire meets Flaming Lips. - 2FM

All dressed up for the prom, BPLO’s music is a festival of contrast and melodrama...the stark vocal contrast provided by the three Limerick siblings up front quickly lodges in the skull. It’s all the drama of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ with added indie cool. - State Magazine

Enjoyable and uplifting! - Today FM

Soon! captures the essence of a happy heart with an upbeat, feel good, take it for a dance track layered with vocals, thrumming percussion, jaunty guitars and a big band lift.

-Sarah Lynch - Limerick Event Guide

Taking in everything from indie to orchestral fragments to pop music. - Hot Press