Indie city
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Brighton the Corners
By Brandon Forbes | May 05, 12:51 PM
Vocal adroitness has never been a staple of indie rock. And that's a good thing, in so far as independent music creates a space in which the hegemonic harmonics of Top 40 radio are consistently challenged through grassroots creativity. But there are moments, however, when the ear wants something a little more than the squeaky, albeit endearing, warbles which so many indie artists bring to the mic.
For the discriminating ear, then, enter Matt Kerstein of Brighton MA, stage left. A former member and co-founder of the orchestrated pop collective Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Kerstein has branched out most recently under the moniker of Brighton MA. Named for his birthplace, the group centers on Kerstein's compelling croon, which mixes the best of early Neil Diamond with the huskiness of Crooked Fingers' Eric Bachmann.
Kerstein's potent song-writing is best exemplified by the former Scotland Yard staple "Bet You Never Thought," which offers a refreshing take on the straight-ahead acoustic pop song. Kerstein's compositions realize their true potential, however, through the expert work of his band members, all of whom play a plethora of instruments: Jim Turek (guitar/keys), Devon Bryant (guitar/bass/vocals), Matt Priest (bass/vocals/trombone) and Sam Koentopp (drums/percussion). The multi-instrument feel of "Good Kind of Crazy," with its horn section and pounding rhythms, showcases the band members' disparate talents nicely.
I had the good fortune of experiencing a Brighton MA set live at The Subterranean last week and was thoroughly impressed. Opening for current indie spotlight darlings Tapes n'Tapes, Kerstein and fellows produced a strong set for the sold-out crowd by channeling the dissonant beauty of Sonic Youth and Sigur Ros with the rootsy stylings of Wilco and Bob Dylan. Kerstein's voice did not fail to deliver live, and, from the reaction of the crowd, the group hasn't failed in gaining a following either.
Brighton MA continues its streak of appearing before buzz-word acts on June 7th, when they open for Cro-Magnon carnivalists Man Man at the Subterranean. Tickets are $10 advance/$12 door. - Brandon Forbes
For the discriminating ear, then, enter Matt Kerstein of Brighton MA, stage left. A former member and co-founder of the orchestrated pop collective Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Kerstein has branched out most recently under the moniker of Brighton MA. Named for his birthplace, the group centers on Kerstein's compelling croon, which mixes the best of early Neil Diamond with the huskiness of Crooked Fingers' Eric Bachmann.
Kerstein's potent song-writing is best exemplified by the former Scotland Yard staple "Bet You Never Thought," which offers a refreshing take on the straight-ahead acoustic pop song. Kerstein's compositions realize their true potential, however, through the expert work of his band members, all of whom play a plethora of instruments: Jim Turek (guitar/keys), Devon Bryant (guitar/bass/vocals), Matt Priest (bass/vocals/trombone) and Sam Koentopp (drums/percussion). The multi-instrument feel of "Good Kind of Crazy," with its horn section and pounding rhythms, showcases the band members' disparate talents nicely.I had the good fortune of experiencing a Brighton MA set live at The Subterranean last week and was thoroughly impressed. Opening for current indie spotlight darlings Tapes n'Tapes, Kerstein and fellows produced a strong set for the sold-out crowd by channeling the dissonant beauty of Sonic Youth and Sigur Ros with the rootsy stylings of Wilco and Bob Dylan. Kerstein's voice did not fail to deliver live, and, from the reaction of the crowd, the group hasn't failed in gaining a following either.
Brighton MA continues its streak of appearing before buzz-word acts on June 7th, when they open for Cro-Magnon carnivalists Man Man at the Subterranean. Tickets are $10 advance/$12 door. - Brandon Forbes
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