In Art & Soil The Same, by Brielle Brown, is an album for the ages and times, about the saturation of everything and how we need to get back to more simple things and resist the static norms of the last decade, or maybe two or three in the greater scheme of things. This is not done through political messages, instead through a more humane and healing approach. With Brown’s background accounting for her therapeutic and songwriting skills coming full circle after over 20 years running.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/briellebrown/
The first piece to sink your ears into is “Blessing,” and a blessing it is. To get the album started with a wonderful play on what’s going on outside with the bluebirds on this cool hand clapping tune. “A New Sacred” is an almost gospel folk tune about a trip to Eden to find the fruit from the trees, keeping with the overall concept of nature and it carries adventurous sets of words. “Tethered” explores the patience of relationships as time keeps ticking away with an approach to vocals reminiscent of 10,000 Maniacs, which can also be felt on some other tunes here.
“Get Back To The Garden” is one of the several highlights of the album which covers the topic of returning to what you started, interpreted however you want but in the shape of relationships. The mood continues with starting over after healing, which is what “Birthright” tackles with a brooding ballad. You can’t miss its menacing charm holding the album up thus far and if you’re moved by anything on the album, these two alone should do it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0D5M03Ct_A
“Dust ‘n Bone” is the ultimate love song of “In Art & Soil The Same”, which contains some great slide guitar.This is the point where Brown’s singing reaches its peak and reminds us of greats such as Bonnie Raitt and others. On “Old Lessons In A New World” with its narrative about mistakes of the past is simply another gem with excellent use of piano. The more you hear it the more you like it, with everything here bringing something to the table.
BUY THE ALBUM: https://createmusic.fm/inartandsoilthesame
“The Heart Of The Matter” is the Don Henley cover, sung as if it were the female vocal version made especially for Brielle Brown. Everyone should hear this remarkable cover as it does all the same effort to bring a tear whenever you hear it and that’s one of the qualities of the original version. “Hymn in C” is the little ditty that leads to the final piece of ear candy on the album and it’s another pleasant tune before going into the last one. “Beautiful Resistance.” It might be the end but it comes in like a new beginning and drives the bus home on this great album with an anthem.
Garth Thomas