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Broken Ness
ICU In Dandylions
Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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CD Number: Mannequine Bonfire Productions
www.brokennessonline.com
Just as their press release relates to the perspective listener, Broken Ness reminds you of bands like The Beatles and Crowded House. On ICU In Dandylions (interesting title) they pump out 13 fleshed out power pop tracks that would satisfy the most discriminating music fan. The funny thing about lead singer Regan Barger is the more you hear his voice, the more he sounds like John Lennon.
When Barger belts out "I Feel Bad," you know he means what he says when you hear-"I feel bad and I don't know why." Even though it is a splatter of melancholy the rhyme and rhythm of the song is as irresistible as pumpkin pie after a Thanksgiving diner, deliciously sweet but the underlying message is life can be painful if consumed without restraint. I also appreciated "Grain of Sand," which seems to refer to the insignificance of who we are in this vast and endless universe, it is another rock-pop gem with harmonies and lead vocals to die for. "The Ocean Makes Her Cry (Tara) is their most prolific composition, showing off their talent for reflective and pensive lyrical content with musical accompaniment that pushes and pulls you back and forth.
Dane Estepa (drums, vocals, percussion) and Ray Hartman (bass, vocals, keys) are as influential and important to the sound of Broken Ness as Barger. They all play so many instruments and sing so well, it sounds more like a five piece than a trio. The production values and sound are definitely above average and noticeably detailed in every song. This pure pop-rock perfection will require many return visits to your stereo.
Enjoyment: 90
Sound Quality: 100
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