Cory Branan: The No-Hit Wonder
This summer, southern-bred cowpunk artist Cory Branan dropped his sophomore album that is sure to
be an instant hook for those who enjoy
a little southern twang with an
upbeat pulse. Each song stands on
its own, creating a dynamic album
with fast paced rockabilly shuffles
and old timey western swings that
pays homage to the great singer-
songwriters of the 20th century
like Hank Williams, Webb Pierce
and Johnny Cash.
It’s difficult to find country music today that does this as the industry has distanced itself from the marks left by these previous legends in favour of a more produced pop sound that by now appeals to the mainstream crowd who occasionally want to self-identify as “redneck.”
While Branan does feature some well produced songs, his attitude and delivery is very much influenced by contemporary punk artists such as the Gaslight Anthem, whom he has toured with in the past.
The No-Hit Wonder is an album that pays attention to what each instrument is doing without taking the focus away from the forefront vocal melodies that drive each song. You get some songs such as “Daddy Was a Skyrider” that channel the spirit of a Cajun folk song through the creative use of an accordion alongside the usual rock band set up.
Just when you think that song is over as well, you get this quick slide guitar solo that is tactfully done and not just drawn out wankery for three minutes. The production value of these songs is also notable in that each song sounds big and crisp. Most of this high quality can stem from how well the album itself is mixed. Nothing is too quiet or too loud although some tracks are heavily balanced too much to either the left or right speaker, which would be my only complaint.
My favourite track is the title track itself. It starts off quick and continues with a rock solid punk rhythm that is over laid with chants and a melody that still retains its southern roots. Other notable tracks on the album include the rockabilly tune “Sour Mash,” the crooning old-school country “All I Got and Gone” and the break up anthem “The Only You.”
Branan’s second album is certainly something for people who enjoy their country with a little bit of attitude and diversity. From the surface it’s apparent that this is a guy that doesn’t let up and is dedicated to taking his music career seriously.
It’s difficult to find country music today that does this as the industry has distanced itself from the marks left by these previous legends in favour of a more produced pop sound that by now appeals to the mainstream crowd who occasionally want to self-identify as “redneck.”
While Branan does feature some well produced songs, his attitude and delivery is very much influenced by contemporary punk artists such as the Gaslight Anthem, whom he has toured with in the past.
The No-Hit Wonder is an album that pays attention to what each instrument is doing without taking the focus away from the forefront vocal melodies that drive each song. You get some songs such as “Daddy Was a Skyrider” that channel the spirit of a Cajun folk song through the creative use of an accordion alongside the usual rock band set up.
Just when you think that song is over as well, you get this quick slide guitar solo that is tactfully done and not just drawn out wankery for three minutes. The production value of these songs is also notable in that each song sounds big and crisp. Most of this high quality can stem from how well the album itself is mixed. Nothing is too quiet or too loud although some tracks are heavily balanced too much to either the left or right speaker, which would be my only complaint.
My favourite track is the title track itself. It starts off quick and continues with a rock solid punk rhythm that is over laid with chants and a melody that still retains its southern roots. Other notable tracks on the album include the rockabilly tune “Sour Mash,” the crooning old-school country “All I Got and Gone” and the break up anthem “The Only You.”
Branan’s second album is certainly something for people who enjoy their country with a little bit of attitude and diversity. From the surface it’s apparent that this is a guy that doesn’t let up and is dedicated to taking his music career seriously.
