Pierce Brothers, The Night Tree – Review
Pierce Brothers, Jack and Pat, are a charismatic duo hailing from Melbourne. Multi-instrumentalists, the brothers handle the guitar, didgeridoo and harmonica with ease.
And it’s this melodic mastery they (quite rightly) show off throughout their new EP, The Night Tree. While this is worthy of accolades and attention, it’s the use of their beautiful windpipes that you really notice. Using tight-knit harmonies to show off catchy-as-hell narrative lyrics, their sound is a perfect fit for the indie/folk genre.
Saying that, The Night Tree feels very familiar; it doesn’t shock or awaken the senses. Listening to it is more like wading into soft and warm water rather than diving head first into an ice-cold pool.
So, while it is a lovely listen, it doesn’t offer anything radically different. The Night Tree sits very comfortably in its own genre.
By all accounts, the duo is one of the most exhilarating live shows around, however this energy hasn’t translated directly to the recording. You need to turn it up a couple octaves to get a proper feel for the boot-stomping vitality of Peirce Brothers. This is not entirely a bad thing though. In fact, it’s quite nice that the EP is not applicable to just one mood. Instead it is able to traverse many.
The first single ‘It’s My Fault’ is worthy of a double thumbs-up and it has, strangely enough, amassed a following in the Netherlands where it is getting some serious airtime. For me though, ‘Genevieve’ is the champion of the record. Sure to get you grooving, it builds slowly and wonderfully with a great hook to an energetic chorus.
Overall, The Night Tree is a crowd pleaser, from your die-hard indie/folk-loving layabouts to your grandma’s cat, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who is going to have a strong objection to this recording. Simply put, it is charismatic, accessible and relatable. It’s the musical equivalent of a socially apt old friend, making The Night Tree the perfect guest for any occasion. Whether it’s a dinner party, a road trip or an afternoon at the beach – Pierce Brothers have got you covered.
If you’re in Aus, you can catch Pierce Brothers on tour over the next few weeks:
SAT 31 MAY | The Armidale Club – Armidale
WED 4 JUN | Black Bear Lodge – Brisbane
THU 5 JUN – Solbar – Maroochydore
SUN 8 JUN – Hotel Brunswick – Brunswick Heads
SAT 14 JUN – Westernport Hotel – San Remo
FRI 20 JUN – Golden Vine Hotel – Bendigo
THU 26 JUN – Shebeen – Melbourne
FRI 27 JUN – Shebeen – Melbourne
SAT 28 JUN – Spirit Bar – Traralgon
FRI 11 JUL – Hotel High Plains – Dinner Plain
SAT 12 JUL – The General – Mt Hotham
More deets at the band’s website: www.piercebrothers.com.au
Review by Katherine Helps.
