For this week’s MySpace Local Review, we stay right in the heart of the city – and without much need to even venture away from even one family – as we review Braam, a local band comprised of three brothers Braam, Tom, Mike and Scott, along with seemingly adopted brother drummer Davish Ashdown. Braam’s sounds are plentiful, catchy and soulful, sounding as if they are an established veteran Chicago band with tons of potential – when, in fact, they are. Let me explain.
For some of you hardcore music fans, you may recognize the vocals and sounds to that of The Swinging Police, the originators of Braam, a band that delivered Chicago similar sounds back in 1996 as a part of Block Vinyl Records. Now, a part of indie label Sauna, the band is still collecting rave reviews and support of its fan-base. In fact, fans will have a chance to see the band live, this Saturday, February 2, at Berwyn music spot Fitzgerald’s for a 9 p.m. show.
It is comforting to see another melodic alternative folk band prove the test of time locally, as the band showcasing ongoing success with songs, such as my favorite on their Space, “Sneaking Into Heaven,” a song with 219 plays on their site. Other songs, such as leading play getter “State Band of Cheyenne”, sound catchy and supportive. Also listenable on Space is “Mama I’m Scared”, “Blackout”, and “End of the Hardest Year.”
With 2008 fans, perhaps ironically, this could be the year for Braam to break out, again, and reach the forefront of Chicago’s music scene. Unfortunately, 2008 fans probably won’t do it, nor will a poorly designed MySpace page – hence the 1 star artistic rating – but sound mixed with creativity can produce a good result.
I see tons of potential with this band. They don’t have a huge backing, but definitely deserve a chance. Jim DeRogatis from the Sun Times has praised previous albums, so has Richard Milne of WXRT. Now is time for a few others to catch onto these guys – and your first chance to hear them could be this weekend at Fitzgerald’s.
I would love to see this band play with its creative side. In their lead MySpace picture it looks as if Scott Braam is jamming out on guitar hero – while funny, a good group shot could work better. Marketability is a huge thing missing in many bands these days. It can be the difference between hitting it big and staying small. While there is nothing wrong with being a Chicago basement band, band’s like Braam should take the power of their tunes and invest in creative marketing to create the ultimate Chicago music package.
All in all, these guys could be ones to watch with a little design, a little chance, and a lot of luck.
For a listen and view, visit www.myspace.com/braammusic
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Another cool Braam website
Written by Guest on 2008-01-31 18:21:09
Designed by an awesome fan and web designer extrordinaire "Silverella"
http://www.braamweb.com/  |
Up that "art" score...
Written by Guest on 2008-01-31 19:07:52
...by taking a look at band singer Tom Braam's art on that braamweb site. Click on "Tom's Art" FANTASTIC!  |
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