By Joe Metro
In many ways, Brother. reminds me of the music I listened to in 2021. Maybe it’s because they remind me of Mac DeMarco, who I listened to a h*ck of a lot in 2021. Maybe it was because my frontal lobe was getting closer and closer to being fully developed. Or maybe it’s because I started caring more about what I listened to. Regardless of the reason why, Brother. feels special, and I dig that.
Their ethereal harmonies mixed with their electronic sound and smooth bass make the band such a vibe. VOL IV continues to carry the torch of their sound from their past three albums. In addition to reminding me of Mac DeMarco, they also give me the spacial-ness of Djo. This 32-minute, eight-track album is the soundtrack as you fall asleep in a sea of stars. Each song adds to the lullaby. It leaves little doubt in my mind why they have gained traction with their growing mainstream success from touring with the likes of the Backseat Lovers, The Plain White T’s, and IDKHOW, to their songs being used in various Netflix shows.
Diving into the album, “REAL” serves as a call back to the spacy pop that was prevalent in the cocaine-riddled 1980s. This opening track would feel right at home with Cyndi Lauper and Alphaville’s “Time After Time” and “Forever Young.” It has flair from the modern era with a nod to the old.
“NYC4” is where the similarities to Djo really shine for me. It gives a very distinct “Chateau” sound while still making the song and sound their own. The harmonies and layering of their electric sound hit so well for me.
“LOSTANDFOUND” puts up a strong argument to be my favorite track on this record. Done in conjunction with Goldmyth, it’s synth-y, poppy, and fun. If you are unfamiliar with Goldmyth, she is another artist local to Provo. This song highlights her melancholy pop sound, coupled with Brother.’s sound. It comes together as, quite literally, music to the ears. And if you feel so inclined, go check out Goldmyth. She’s got bangers as well.
“FAKE” rounds out the album, and I feel like it serves as a great closer. It matches the energy “REAL” brings as the opener. The lyrics of “FAKE” are absolutely my favorite from the record and battles “LOSTANDFOUND” for the top spot for me. As I sit here and type this review, I can’t help but bob my head and move my body.
2026 marks ten years since Brother. has been active. With how much I have enjoyed listening to VOL IV and Brother. as a whole, I am looking forward to the next ten years of music from them.
Check Brother. out on Instagram and listen to their song “LOSTANDFOUND” featuring Goldmyth, below.