Review: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – The Brutalist Bricks

Artist: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Album: The Brutalist Bricks
Genre: Indie/Punk
Label: Matador

Starting their second decade as a band, New Jersey’s power-trio, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are no where new to the music scene. Their political lyrics and fusion between 70’s punk rock, indie with even hints of folk and dub reggae make them anything but ordinary. After beginning a solo career, Ted Leo released a full length album and an EP that instantly gained attention but it wasn’t until they became a full band that they took music scene by storm. Extensive touring and the release of their first two albums The Tyranny of Distance and Hearts of Oak gave them enough exposure to build a prevalent following. However, the next two albums Shake the Sheets and Living with the Living simply couldn’t measure up to their predecessors. Since the fold of their previous label, Touch and Go, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are nearing the release of their sixth studio album, The Brutalist Bricks, now on Matador Records.

Their energetic persona, upbeat tempos and catchy hooks are instantly noticed on the opening track, “The Mighty Sparrow,” which is easily one of the best songs on the album. Before cutting back to a trio they used to incorporate tambourines and eccentric noise makers but now they use basic instruments with the occasional inclusion of keyboards. In, “Mourning In America,” they bring back some of the crazy electronic noises they’re known for. The song also includes a heart pounding, deep bass line and melodic guitar section, which flow flawlessly.

“Even Heroes Have To Die,” is a melodramatic track with a powerful message. The lyrics, “Even heroes have to die, no one lives forever, no one’s wise to try,” is inspirational and the track as a whole conveys a message of growing old with dignity. Following with, “The Stick,” early angst ridden punk roots are revisited with unhinged vocals and a faster, punk-oriented melody. This track is evidence of the diversity they are capable of.

Culminating to the highlight of the album, “Bottled In Cork,” starts on an angsty note and then escalates to an upbeat tempo. Songs don’t come more catchy than this toe-tapping induced tune. This will easily be a crowd favorite. On the other end of the spectrum, “One Polaroid a Day,” proves how dynamic Ted Leo’s vocals are. By this point we’re used to his high registered voice paired with an upbeat tempo but here he delivers much deeper vocals while the tempo is mellowed.

Billboard said, “Ted Leo just may be to indie rock what Springsteen was for rock’n’roll in 1973,” and that in itself says a lot. Whether creating catchy pop rock songs or punk driven anthems, they excel. Ted Leo delivers manic falsetto vocals with unbridled enthusiasm. The use of spasmodic guitars, extensive riffs, and catchy hooks make each song memorable. Eleven years of being perpetual touring machines and talented musicians, they deserve the praise they have been getting.

Score: 8/10
Review written by: Nerissa Judd

James Shotwell
Latest posts by James Shotwell (see all)
Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed.