Bryan Estepa is no stranger to Sydney’s music scene. He has served his time in indie bands such as Swivel (1998-2000) and Hazey Jane (2004-2005), as well as having a dabble on his lonesome with an EP released under the moniker Adeline (2003). In 2006 though he went all out singer-songwriter with his debut solo album ‘All The Bells And Whistles.’ Full of catchy, breezy pop with an alt country slant the response the album received were, according to Estepa, way above and beyond all of his expectations.
There were the universally glowing reviews for starters, with the album landing firmly in Top Ten Best Of lists as far away as the US and Spain. In fact, so successful was the album in Spain that Estepa signed to the respected Rock Indiana Records label there and did a national tour. An invite to play the 2007 International Pop Overthrow Festival in New York also resulted into his first foray and shows in America. Not that he was neglected at home, as he enjoyed regular airplay on Australian radio stations Triple J, FBi, 2SER, ABC Radio to name a few. The jangly pop of ‘Right Now’ also featured in an episode of one of Australia’s biggest TV show’s ‘Bondi Rescue. The Australian press raved about the album, consistently using phrases such as “delightfully listenable” and “captivating pop.” Estepa finished 2007 by being listed in Sydney’s Drum Media as one of their top artists to watch in the next year.
That accolade is fully justified with the release of Estepa’s second solo album Sunday Best, self-produced with assistance from Dan Nash. A fitting follow on, it places the pop heart of All The Bells And Whistles in an even bigger expanse of sounds and moods. Describing it as a snapshot of where his life is right now, particularly after all the experiences from the previous record, he has also managed to instil his own identity in his music. With a fresh organic air throughout, Estepa was inspired by what he calls his eternal search to find that killer melody and hook. When you hear the way the gentle beauty of the title track suddenly bursts into some glorious pop it’s clear he has over achieved in that regard.
The whirling organ of the instantly catchy Different With You is pure summer pop; Roses, with its oh-so-wide chorus is a cheeky romp and the manic moment of the energetic Myself is I See Red for a new generation. Things are a little gentler with Skipping Days which has a hint of country about it and the heart tugging Worry Me More. I’m Going perhaps best demonstrates Estepa’s emergence as one of the best songwriters on the scene with its well crafted structure and freefall ending.
Sunday Best is Estepa’s best work yet. Any day of the week.
Paul Smith – June 2008
Sunday Best available 24th June Rock Indiana Records (Spain/Europe) & 5th July 2008 Popboomerang Records (Australia/USA)
"One of the year's beat pop records" - Music Australia Guide
"A great talent and a great album." - Absoloute Powerpop
"Full of breathtaking melodies and inventive arrangements, this pop wunderkind makes one wonder how long it will be before he’s the next big thing" - The Rock & Roll Report
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Bryan Estepa
Vocals, Guitar, Bass & Tunes
Current Live Band
Mick McGinty - Drums
Tim Holt - Guitar
Scott Barr - Bass
Brian Crouch - Keys
Sunday Best
AUSTRALIA/US - 5th July 2008 (Popboomerang Records)
SPAIN/EUROPE - 24th June 2008 (Rock Indiana Records)
All the Bells and Whistles
Release 6th Oct 2006
AUSTRALIA/US - (Popboomerang Records)
SPAIN/EUROPE - (Rock Indiana Records)
Start Again - (Released under 'Adeline')
Released 16th Aug 2003 (Independent)
Hey Bryan! Hope you're doing well. We just got back from our two months O.S tour, feel free to pop by a read the tour diaries. Had a blast in Spain too. Anyhoo we're coming up your way again playing the Sando fri dec 19th.. Would be awesome to catch up so let me know if you can make it down to say hi. Cheers all the best Zac, Kate and Co
hey bryan how are you? tali is such a good singer don't you agree. when i get to year 12 i'm going to tafe to study sound mixing so i can get a job as a sound mixer so i can meet all the cool bands! anyways gtg luv ya lissieoxoxxox
Yes, it's that time of the month again when your listening pleasure can be enhanced by heading off to the AUK Myspace site where you will find folk whimsy from The Travelling Band, poignant thoughfulness from Waylon Jennings, The Butless Chaps (don't you just want to know what they sound like?) and the sweetly swinging (and singing) Tish Hinojosa.
Much thanks for the add, Bryan!! I'm enjoying your music VERY much. The song, 'Carl Wilson,' has been playing on my page since we've been friends -- can't get enough of it!
Just curious, will you ever head out in the U.S. (more specifically the San Francisco area??) If so, please let me know!
Wish you a wonderful week (even though it's half-way done.)
Heya! Really great set at the Clarendon on Saturday night, and it was lovely to catch up with you. I was proud to introduce my beau to such a talented musician. :o) Oh, and I love the album!!
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