In the spirit of Nick Drake comes the humble and warm songwriting of Eugene, aka Brandon Owens. Eugene is originally from Los Angeles but has transplanted himself into New York as of late. Circles (Time Release) is outstanding as it weaves love songs over acoustic and vintage guitar tones showing a deep maturity and strength in the vocals. According to his bio hes supposed to begin work on his debut album for New Line/Scratchie Records this fall with James Iha (formerly of Smashing Pumpkins). After listening to this EP its obvious that this kid doesnt need any help with his sound or style, even Iha could take a few pointers.
The lead-off track I Will sounds classic with what sounds like an old vintage spring-reverb guitar amp sparkling in time with a galloping vibraphone. The song has a slight country twang to the guitars, but also comes across as ambient. The vibrato guitar melody of Circles points in the direction of classic 60s pop bands like The Lovin Spoonful or The Mamas and The Papas. 21 People is a quiet number with a busy acoustic guitar accompanying Eugenes warm voice, similar to the guitar treatment on the Beatles classic Blackbird. God knows I tried for better words, demonstrates Eugenes vulnerability in his songwriting. Most of the songs here display the derailment of communication and relationships, and the same predicaments we all get into at some point.
Eugenes Circles is an excellent launching pad to what could be an even more amazing full length. His voice is so naturally warm and effortless in the vein of Jose Gonzalez or Lou Barlow. Being natural talented is one thing, and this kind of singer-songwriter material is often difficult to make without all the right ingredients. Luckily theyre all here; the vintage reverb tones, warm guitars, and brushed drumming. This is a dynamite debut that everyone should pick up.
Circles EP by Eugene is available ONLINE at
Time Release Records , Apple iTunes or if you prefer CD Baby, click on the image/link below:
Eugene, aka Brandon Owens, is an artist originally from Los Angeles
now living in New York. After releasing his first recordings,
compiled into a 9 song disc dubbed the 4-track demos, he found himself
back in LA at the request of Nic Harcourt of KCRW'S Morning Becomes
Eclectic. During January of this year he was featured live on MBE and
doing a few west coast shows in support of those recordings. One of
which was an in store performance at Fingerprints music store in Long
Beach. It was here that Eugene met Kenneth Negrete, owner of
Time Release Records, a sort of boutique record label based in Eugene's
hometown.
What started as an invitation to come visit Ken's studio/art gallery
quickly and organically turned into what would be the start of a
creative means for Eugene's first official release. Immediately
attracted by the label's old school approach to art, both in selection
and execution, the chemistry between Ken and Eugene was undeniable.
With only a few days left to get to work, Eugene would end up
returning a few times over the following months to complete the six
songs found on Circles.
Eugene's music is hard to categorize. It is where vintage meets future and
heart meets soul. The music is quality and seems to speak to you
without need of genres or demographics. The songs on Circles are each
uniquely there own and glue themselves to you in the best way
possible.
For more information, booking or press inquiries, contact eugenespusher@gmail.com
Hey!
I discovered Ken's bands today and really appreciated his musical work. So I took a tour to his friends and found you.
I have to say I really like your tunes which demonstrate very high musicality and wait patiently for your release to buy it too.
All the best
Vincent
