Brass Owl - State Of Mind (Album Review)

Release date: April 10^th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

State Of Mind – Tracklisting

1.Land Shark 04:39

2.Deuce Face

3.Hook, Line, and Sinker

4.No Filter/Stay Trendy

5.Side Effect

6.The Legend Of FUJIMO

7.Jive Turkey

8.Hoka Hey

9.Pale Horse

Members

Brian Tarter - vocals/guitar

Lonnie Buckley - drums

Review

State Of Mind is the new album from Brass Owl and their overall sound is quite an eclectic mix of different styles such as Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Stoner Rock, Grunge, Blues Rock along with Heavy Metal and Proto Metal sounds. They’ve been described as Heavy Classic Rock crossed with Acid Jazz according to the PR blurb that accompanied this release and I wouldn’t be lying that got me intrigued to see how this album played out.

State Of Mind is the perfect description for this album as it takes you along a trippy Psychedelic Blues/Hard Rock journey and you will have different states of mind listening to this album. Imagine the Blues Rock swagger of CLUTCH and ZZ TOP then merged with some heavy stylized 70s/80s Classic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal and you have a potent mix for a hugely entertaining album.

It’s by no means perfect but Brass Owl adapt a different identity and sound with nearly all of the songs of the album. The album is primarily powered by the band’s love of Blues Rock and the album goes into many different directions especially when the Psychedelic Jazz vibes of the album appear whilst still retaining a free-flowing and highly original heavy sound of their own making.

Standout songs on the album are: Land Shark, Deuce Face, No Filter – Stay Trendy, Side Effect and Pale Horse. As the band show their true creative power on these songs with excellent vocals and hard-hitting riffs that have a rebellious spirit to them all.

The instrumental work on this album shown by both Brian and Lonnie is outstanding throughout especially with the duo playing many different styles of music that you get a complete picture of what truly fantastic musicians they really are.

The production is very cool indeed though the more surreal Psychedelic Acid based parts do feel out of place at times but that could be the whole idea with that part of the album. Other than that minor complaint, Brass Owl are firing on all cylinders with their debut album and it’s one worth definitely checking out if you’re looking for a Stoner Rock album with a bit more craziness to it all.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Curtis at Dewar PR for the promo. State Of Mind is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from the band now.

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Brass Owl Announce Details Of New Album - STATE OF MIND - And Premiere Of New Single - LAND SHARK

Sometimes you just want to throw on a record and know that you are in safe hands. Well, they don’t come much safer than Cincinnati's  Brass Owl, whose collective century in the world of music has sharpened their molten blend of heavy classic rock crossed with acid jazz. Their début full-length, State of Mind, is packed with tight musicianship, expert songwriting, and an all-round fun-loving approach to rock n’ roll.

Right off the bat, Tarter’s voice possesses many hues, from the Alice in Chains nasal melodies on “Deuce Face” to the bluesy Gov’t Mule vibes on “Jive Turkey” - and much more in between. It’s a powerful set of pipes that conveys his sardonic and scornful sense of humor as he mocks the vapidity of modern society. Meanwhile, his guitar licks and largely improvised solos have earned him the coveted Steve Vai seal of approval. He makes full use of the guitar as he lets fly riff after riff on each track, while the solos dance along the fretboard. His two compadres are no slack, either - award-winning drummer Lonnie Buckley throws in jazzy beats such as on the instrumental “The Legend of F.U.J.I.M.O.”.

The whole package is neatly tied off with a crisp production - the vocals soar, the beats bounce, the guitar and bass have that 70s crunch to them, and it’s impossible not to dance along to the rhythms found on “Land Shark” or “Hook, Line and Sinker”. If this is an accurate depiction of Brass Owl’s ‘state of mind’ this early in the game as a band, imagine what delights await the next time to boys come out to play.

Brian Tarter - vocals/guitar

Lonnie Buckley - drums

1. Land Shark

2. Deuce Face

3. Hook, Line and Sinker

4. No Filter - Stay Trendy

5. Side Effect

6. The Legend of F.U.J.I.M.O.

7. Jive Turkey

8. Hoka Hey

9. Pale Horse

https://www.facebook.com/brassowlmusic/

An Introduction To Brass Owl and Exclusive Stream Of Their Debut Self Titled EP

On June 22nd 2018 BRASS OWL will release their self-titled EP. The band's blend of stoner, psychedelic and heavy metal is highly recommended for fans of  Corrosion of Conformity, ZZ Top, Cream and Pride And Glory.

About BRASS OWL:

Formed in the conservative world of southern Ohio, Brass Owl has never been a typical band. With a bonafide shred master on guitar, an award winning session drummer and a bassist with a distinctive retro style this power trio is poised to take over the scene. Their jam oriented sound isn’t just a testament to the bands past accomplishments, but also reflects how tightly they have gelled as a unit. Their music is reflective of a lifetime of playing music a deep understanding of rock and roll. With a new record coming out soon, one can’t help but to get excited for what these Ohio boys are going to be pulling out of their hats next.
 

The mastermind behind this project, Brian Tarter is thrilled to finally have a band where he has embraced being both lyricist and vocalist. This music gives him a platform to not only show off his Steve Vai approved licks (Tarter performed with Vai after winning a shred contest in the 90s) but also bring his songwriting to a new level. The band act as a tight unit combining all manner of musical ideas through a unique blend of jaw dropping hooks and thrilling, largely improvised solos. Avoiding both tired stoned rock and roll cliches and maintaining a concise approach to songwriting, Brass Owl aspire to be a new kind of jam band.

Brass Owl is a band who have not only paid their dues, they have nearly a centuries worth of experience between the three of them. They are ready now to go out once more and claim the hearts of a legion of fans. With a sound that appeals to everyone from modern rockers to stoners, classic rock maniacs to acid jazz heads, Brass Owl are unafraid to push the boundaries. This is not just another jam band, this is a group with a distinct artistic vision, a motivated team, and the passion, combined with the know how to go far beyond the dives they cut their teeth in.  

Links

Official | Facebook

You can listen to their superb debut EP below courtesy of the good folks over at Dewar PR.