CD Reviews Artist: The Brymers CD: 40 Year Brotherhood Home: Los Angeles, CA Style: Garage Rock Quote: "There is a wide audience for this undiscovered gem, and I hope that they get a chance to hear it." By Beeb Ashcroft (Indie-Music.com) A 60s garage band that never quite broke into the mainstream, The Brymers have achieved a sort of cult following in recent years, as new listeners discover their music through the Internet and underground compilations. Forming in 1963, the band went through many name changes and tried a variety of bizarre promotional tactics suggested by their record company in an effort to get their music heard. In an article on the band's website, drummer Dick Lee tells interviewer Kit Burns that their record label instructed them to shave their heads and call themselves The Brymers. The hope was that it would make people think of Yul Brynner, and somehow this association was supposed to sell records. Sadly, it never quite panned out for the group, who disbanded in 1968. Now that there is renewed interest in their music, The Brymers have reunited to pen new material together for the first time in decades. 40 Year Brotherhood is their third release since reforming and is a combination of new work, cover songs, and classic material from the band. The CD starts off with a few nostalgic nods to their early career, making reference to where they've been on the title track and "Love Of Rock-N-Roll." There are also several cover medleys, like track 16, which melds "Down In New Orleans," "Land Of 1000 Dances," and "Money." "Sacrifice" and "I Want To Tell You" are Brymers songs from the 60s, and they are killer tracks. "I Want To Tell You" is a genuine, melodic track often compared to The Byrds, and it shines with its fantastic harmonies and rich sound. "Sacrifice" is an absolutely spot-on slice of dirty, frenetic garage rock. Lee mentioned that during the recording of this song, the amp burst into flames. Now that's how music should be made! The rest of the CD focuses on the band's current efforts, mixing new compositions with some fun covers. The Brymers have not lost their touch, with well-played, timeless compositions. The new songs are written in the 60s rock style, for a refreshingly authentic feel. The new material is less garage and more bluesy, although there is still some nice psychedelic keyboard thrown in for good measure. Cuts like "Bad Boy" and "Fit Me In" are straight up rock, while songs like "The Dark Side" remind me more of country-twinged acts like The Eagles. "Do You Think You Love Me" is a tight instrumental effort that features some great guitar work. I would love to see The Brymers record their new material using old methods. While I appreciate the skill that went into recording this record, I just don't think it does their material justice, although it is well done. It would sound amazing to hear their contemporary work recorded on tape in Mono – even if they don't set any amps on fire this time. I am so glad that this band are starting to get some of the recognition they deserve. Their history is fascinating, and it holds a real value for listeners. There is a wide audience for this undiscovered gem, and I hope that they get a chance to hear it. Indie-Music Profile Artist Website: http://www.thebrymers.com THE BRYMERS: “40 YEAR BROTHERHOOD” The “40 Year Brotherhood” CD is a collection of songs that reflect The Brymers’roots in 1960’s southern rock music. The listener will hear new original songs that were composed by various members over the last six months. You will also hear some of The Brymers favorite songs from the 1960’s era. These songs have been “Brymerized” and are high energy with that familiar fuzz guitar, harp, Hammond B3, and melodic harmonies. The title track is called, “40 Year Brotherhood” and is Kenny Sinner’s (keyboards) personal description of The Brymers saga on their transition from a 1963 California garage band to a top performing and recording act in 1968. Track two is an anthem dedicated to all the touring bands of the 1960’s who loved rock-n-roll. Bill Brumley and Kenny Sinners’ lyrics describe the day in a life of a rock-n-roll musician. The Brymers then take on Roy Head’s classic of “Treat Her Right” and Brymerize it with a high-energy fuzz guitar, harp, and Hammond. The CD also contains the group’s classic hit of “Sacrifice” (1966) and “I Want to Tell You” (1966, both composed by Kenny Sinner). Next, The Brymers delve deeply into New Orleans southern rock delta blues with original tunes such as “Bad Boy,” “The Dark Side,” and “Torture You.” Delphi recording artist Jeannie Sanders re-unites with The Brymers and sings her powerful arrangement of “Black Velvet.” Jeannie frequently travelled and toured with the group during the 1960’s. “Blue is the Color of My Heart” is a great original composition where The Brymers incorporate strings and horns in an arrangement that was recorded in Nashville. It is guaranteed to make your ears perk-up and take note. “Fit Me In” (written by Jim Mellick) is a hard driving rocker that shows off the guitar and keyboard skills of Jim Mellick and Kenny Sinner. The “40 Year Brotherhood” CD is rounded out with a fast & slow medley of the group’s favorite 1960’s rock-n-roll tunes that have been “Brymerized.” The “40 Year Brotherhood” is a great CD which contains a lot of music and will make you want to get up and dance. If you are a lover of the 60’s rock-n-roll sound and delta blues you will enjoy this CD. It is The Brymers at their best. It is The Brymers sounds’ of “Yesterday” and their new sounds’ of “Today.” The result is a rock-n-roll sound where The Allman Brothers meet The Kinks! REVIEWS: STILL TOGETHER AFTER ALL THESE YEARS ! If you were wondering where the Brymers have been since their 60's hit "Sacrifice", well look no further! They have just come out with their latest CD entitled "40 Year Brotherhood". The highlight tracks for me were "Treat Her Right", a great up tempo number with a Kinks like riff that would make Dave Davies proud. Other top notch cuts include, "Bad Boy", "Fit Me In" and "Do You Think You Love Me", the last song mentioned being a fantastic little instumental. 18 songs plus some studio chatter take you right into the heart of the Brymers' world... a world where oldies from the 60's meet the high tech production efforts of today. To quote The Iceman on the opening track, doing his finest Wolfman Jack voice, "It's Time To Take Out Your Boogaloo" and enjoy the latest from the Brymers, "40 Year Brotherhood". Mike Lytle KKFI-FM Kansas City KILLER TRACK Killer track. One of my favorites from your album. Reminds me of the early Kinks. Love the fuzzed guitar, the wailing harmonica, and the pounding rhythmic groove. Wish I was old enough to have seen you guys play back in the day. I woulda been right up ther in front shaking my head like a maniac!!! TAXI Reviewer 10-14-2008 The Brymers: “40 Year Brotherhood” “The Brymers have done it again with another exquisite CD. The group’s southern rock influences reverberates through-out in the tracks such as “Bad Boy,” “Torture You,” “The Dark Side,” and “Black Velvet.” The sounds of the San Joaquin are back when you take a spin with The Brymers. I guarantee you will want to get up and dance.” David Anthony Oldies D.J. Fresno, CA – October, 2008