Wouldn’t it be great to get a chance to be alive in the 70s? Life was simpler then, right? And what better way to go back there than music? The beautiful release by Balkun Brothers sends you on a trip back in time with their influence on music. Let’s take a look together at their latest album 735 Farmington Ave.
- Dennis Chambers
What grasped my attention is the percussive section, bass and drums are very much in perfect sync with a different percussive instrument that puts you in the mood to dance. The funky guitars gave it a sense of harmony and love blending well with all these percussions. When the vocals hit, it is another level of amazement. Not to mention the very cool entrance to the sax solo that gave the track the jazz feeling and merged well with the guitar solo which was very impressive as every note was carefully placed. I was immediately blown away by the drum solo, not every music group gives their drummer a chance to be in the spotlight like this.
2- Icky Thump
What’s impressive about this track is the cinematic VFXs that sets you in the mood. The tempo change was very smooth and very funky and shows the work of a very professional music group and how much chemistry they have between them. From the guitar tone, you can very much feel the Black Sabbath’s early 70’s influence implemented into a relatively modern White Stripes song. With the saxophone added to the mix, it felt really fresh. What’s more impressive is the solo duel we had between the guitar and saxophone which felt like the other band members were clearing the field to let the guitarist and the saxophone player duel with one another.
3- When The Levee Breaks
It amazes me how these guys can blend every music section with the other, the percussion, the brass, and the strings. The drums kick start the track with a very cool rock beat and the Harmonica chimes in giving you the old west chills. The guitars tune in with some very tasty riffs. All that is added to the mix, then the vocals just come in to enhance the quality and the music. I am impressed with their iteration of the beloved guitar solo. The group allows us to experience the amazing ’70s sensation by having the consistency that most modern bands lack.
4- Jack The Stripper/ Fairies Wear Boots
You’ve taken a trip down memory lane on every song you’ve listened to thus far, yet they all have a 70s vibe in common between them. They all have a different vibe from one another nonetheless, this one, on the other hand, gives me a bit of a progressive vibe, with its tempo changes. The vocalist hones his skills and how he has no limits in this track and he was the gem of this one. Overall this cover had a very different twist to it, sick rhythm, and a very cool synth solo. By far, this one is my favorite.
5- Love Me Like a Reptile
Again I am very much convinced that every cover on this album has a new and fresh vibe. Having a variety of that sort is a quality no longer found in rock bands. The quite fast tempo of this song is something you can vibe to with your college friends and feel shocked by the professionality, especially that of the vocalist. He makes it sound very easy but I can assure you all that there is nothing easy in what he does.
6- Suck my Kiss
Another thing that this band is very talented in; is making new versions of very catchy classics. Aside from the already lovable melody of the original, the drums in that track are just on point and outright impressively. Blending well, the guitars and the brass section also stands out in the mix. I felt so much satisfaction with the drumline throughout the track.
7- Big Big Blunts
This track is a much-needed instrumental break. With the horn instruments and jazzy drums and a speech in the background. I found nothing to complain about here as I’ve already fallen in love with all the horns and additional instruments these guys incorporate into their sound.
8- The Balkony
Alternative Rock meets Jazz. That’s all I could think of while listening to this track. Tons of wah pedals and palm-muted riffs epically battling the saxophone is not something we hear every day, yet it is done so masterfully here that I was blown away by it.
9- Cats in The Cradle
I’ve heard many covers and iterations of this track, but this one brings home so many emotions I never felt before. The sound focuses on the clean guitar and the lead vocalist which amazingly transcended the feeling of a dismayed parent.
With a huge roster of musicians and guests, Balkun Brothers write an open love letter to the 70s here. It was a mystery to me at first how the horns, sax, and additional instruments didn’t feel out of place. But then I realized the answer to that riddle is in the fluidity and impeccable skill of the musicians themselves. Using Bandcamp to present this release to the world was a great idea, in my opinion, as people can search for tags like the 70s or Classic Rock or any of the beautiful elements here and discover this record through it. I wish these guys an endless streak of success.
