CD REVIEW: BREE – New Skin

Label: Werewolf Tunes

Release Date: June 3, 2016

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Having checked out a previous indie release of Bree’s, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her latest disc, New Skin.  “Damn, I’m Being Me Again” is a chugging track that uses the strong vocals and witty vocals and plays them against each other to the songs benefit.  The guitar is smooth and keeps the track moving while the rhythm section anchors the track from first note to last.  “Broken” slows the tempo of the disc down and delivers a moodier, more ethereal track.  The guitars are solid, the vocals soaring, and the bottom end tight.  The song may slow a bit compared to others, but fits in next to any of the songs here.  “Happier Place” is a cool track that takes on a different groove and texture than most of the songs on the disc, but it gives us a different reason to dig Bree and what she does.  “Do What You Wanna Do” is a different track that slows the pace down without sacrificing the strength of Bree’s vocals.  The drums and bass move along in the bottom of the track, keeping the disc moving.  “Perfect” opens with a tribal groove and sound, but soon shifts thanks to the guitar work.  The song benefits from a poppy vocal and catchy chorus.

“I Wonder” is a great song that charges along thanks to a driving riff that weaves itself within the track at the verse and jumps out into the fray at the chorus.  The cadence of the track gets the foot tapping and keeps you listening.  The lyrics are a story all too often told about someone is when their partner isn’t around.  “18” jumps out and rocks from the first syllable and note.  The driving vibe of the song swirls in a bit of Nashville into the mix without getting countrified – this is solid rock and roll that leans into the past while sounding fresh and new.  “Free” is a lighter track that benefits from strong rhythm and some of the crispest vocals.  The emotion behind Bree’s vocal delivery is present and gives the song an added punch in the mix.  “You’ll Be The Death Of Me” brings a bit of swagger to the mix – almost a jazz-like delivery that adds depth and another dimension to the disc.  The bass lines are strong and drum fills perfect for the track.  The song allows Bree to toss in a different vocal style that suits the disc and her guitar work.  Disc closer and title track “New Skin” opens with a retro sound from the drums, but is offset by Bree’s fuzzy guitar and range stretching vocals.  This song is catchy and like other tracks on the disc grabs your attention and keeps it for the duration, even prompting you to restart the disc after this track comes to an end.  Now we can only hope she catches on and finds herself touring the States behind the release – I know I’d love to see what she can do with these tracks live!

Tracklisting: Damn, I’m Being Me Again – Broken – I Wonder – Happier Place – 18 – Do What You Wanna Do – Free – Perfect – You’ll Be The Death Of Me – New Skin

BREE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

NEW SKIN – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews