Mark Brainard and Tim Russell have been rocking together for 20 years. Vets of the LA circuit, these guys have played original tunes and cover songs at tons of clubs, parties and corporate functions. They've even won two Beatlefest "Battle of the Bands" competitions. But after years of banging it out live, the guys finally realized it was time to capture their sound. The title of Brainard & Russell's 2005 release, Life in Java, was inspired by countless all night sessions in the studio and fueled by the duo's beverage of choice -- gourmet coffee. Backed by a parade of musicians including drummers Jim McCarty and Tony Hartt, the guys started with an acoustic vision that soon expanded into a more acoustic rock sound. Brainard & Russell start things off with the acoustic fingerpicking of "Sunday Song." Crisp, focused and well produced, this acoustic opener pops with sterling hooks and expert musicianship. Then the title track follows with plenty of mellow riffs before "Save My Love" picks up the pace with its top heavy rhythms. Other hot cuts in the collection include "Here's My Goodnight to You." This heartfelt tune was inspired as a substitute for a goodnight kiss on the nights Brainard wasn't around to tuck in his lovely girlfriend. "Here's my good night to you/ Good night, Baby Blue/ Sleep tight, my Lu La Lu/ Let my love be the last thing that you're thinking of." Rooted in well structured songwriting, glistening production and the awesome musicianship culled from zillions of live gigs, Brainard & Russell's Life in Java is a songset with hot electric edges, shining acoustics and brilliant hooks that just won't let go. --IndieMusicReview.com--