The Brew : "The Joker"

After hearing amazing things about this band and following their incredible gig at my local venue The Three Tuns, I had to get my hands on the album! Anyone lucky enough to have been at Woodstock, Monterey or Isle Of Wight will be experiencing some serious de-ja-vu moments as 'Postcode Hero' lights up the speakers. A truly fantastic opener.
'Lies' has a gorgeous second half and title track 'The Joker' (complete with George Bush soundbite) has both a catchy riff and bluesy mid section, while 'Dil Chata Hai' and 'Heart's Desires' flow beautifully, sounding Kula Shaker inspired and very trippy. 'Burt's Boogie' starts out with more incredible guitar, giving way to an immense 'Moby Dick' style drum solo before bass and guitar return to end, followed by 'Break Free' - an excellent musical work out for the whole band.



Closing number ' 24 Hours From Yesterday' for me isn't as strong as the rest of the material on what is a very good album. BUT WAIT - keep that disc spinning - because there is a hidden track to follow. Starting with another George Bush soundbite this excellent instrumental is - along with 'Postcode Hero' - the pick of the bunch and cherry atop this very tasty cake.



Oldest member Tim has a decent enough voice and is a masterful bass player, while drummer Kurtis (Tim's son) and guitarist Jason have to be two of  the best young musicians there is. On the back of The Brew's incredible performances at many festivals, they are already being talked about as being amongst the top 10 in the country. As a whole 'The Joker' comes over like an early lost album by Hendrix or Cream. While it could be better lyrically, musically it is first class. Kurtis assaults his drum kit with venom, Tim has been compared elsewhere to Rodger Waters and Jason is well on his way to the crossroads, but it could never hope to match the raw energy these guys are capable of producing in concert. The fact that I demanded Jason not leave without giving me his plec speaks for itself.



Buy the album - it's great - but please, for the love of God, SEE THEM LIVE. Check out their web site http://www.the-brew.net/ for a date near you.



The Brew will quite simply blow you away !





MOO! pmsbull







CURRENT LINEUP :



Jason Barwick - guitar / vocals

Tim Smith - bass / lead vocals

Kurtis Smith - drums