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| REVIEWS |
Brandon
Wiard
Painting a Burning Building
(self
released)
To date there are countless indie acoustic bands singing about
love, loss, cigarettes and late night fast food. However, Brandon
Wiard’s Painting a Burning Building begs not
to be tossed into the old vintage storage trunk just yet. He’s
a just a boy trying to get through this world in a slightly
starry-eyed daze of contentment and peaceful musing. And if
there is a lady companion, then everybody raise a glass and
throw some money into his open guitar case because his candid,
yearning, stream-of-consciousness serenades must be working.
Clearly Brandon Wiard is indie rock/pop. I’d almost like
to say Midwestern, but somehow I get a coastal feel from it.
What sets him apart from the rest of the acoustic junkies is
that for one thing, his last name is pronounced ‘wired.’
Yeah, I thought that it was ‘weird’ too. Actually
I kind of liked it that way…
Anyway, some will say he sounds like Ben Kweller, Wilco, Teenage
Fanclub or Elvis Costello. I say … I’ve never really
listened to any of them too much so I couldn’t really
tell you. But if you’re like me and uneducated in the
ways of the above mentioned bands, let me further confuse you.
While listening to Painting a Burning Building, I couldn’t
help being reminded of Rilo Kiley in their Takeoffs &
Landings days but if Jenny Lewis was John Mayer. And rocked
harder.
Another thing I find interesting about Wiard is that he’s
a leader of the underdogs. Musically speaking. I’m surprised
I haven’t heard this on the radio before. It’s perfect
to blast driving now the highway to Nowheresville or pop into
the walkman for those thoughtful walks on the beach. But only
if you’re thinking of the one you fancy.
Personal faves include “Miss Michigan,” “Permanent
Smile,” “Caroline,” and “Old Heartless
Sun.” I might have to send a plea to The WB to use “Miss
Michigan” in one of their angst teen dramas. And whoever
Caroline is, she’s a lucky girl. Wiard’s a skilled
songwriter- he’s got all the instrumental elements down
to pluck that certain heartstring (my personal favorite being
the moog. And no, not just because it’s fun to say …
ok maybe a little). The piano solos are sure to get stuck in
your head, and I’m a sucker for any crazy medleys hidden
in the back tracks. They’re odd, completely differently
styled, but amusing. Of course the lyrics are of the most important
elements, and boy are they something. There’s not really
one theme you can use to characterize Wiard, but you’re
sure to hear many a tune about girls, moving on, growing up
and disillusioned society. It’s all neatly packaged with
drums, guitars, violins, and pianos and of course that crazy
moog. And throw in a choir, why not.
Painting a Burning Building is definitely worth a listen.
If anything, it’ll inspire you to start your own band.
Or at least start writing poetry. I can’t say much for
the title of Wiard’s sophomore album, but I suggest he
keep doing what he’s doing. And if painting burning buildings
inspires him, let’s just hope he doesn’t get burned
in the process.
Reviewed by
Sable Yong
June 25th, 2004 |
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