Brandon
White – In My Younger Dreams (Independent)
A lot has happened to Brandon White since he released
his previous record, “A Win For Both Sides”, in 2011, but it’s his father’s
cancer diagnosis in 2012 that informs the mood and sentiments that dominate his
new songs.
Written and recorded, almost as a distraction, and an
excuse to withdraw and shut himself off from the wider world, his songs run a
full gamut of emotions, sometimes resilient and upbeat, but equally inclined
towards contemplation and inspection. It’s not a long album by any means, it’s
running time is a soupçon less than 30 minutes, but White doesn’t waste a
second, and when an artist feels the need to open themselves to their audience
this way, there’s no space for filler or diversions.
Lead single “I’ve Had Enough” is angry and tough. He
doesn’t feel the need to be literal or direct, but it’s impossible not to drag
alternative interpretations from each and every line. Earlier recordings have
lent heavily on his influences, Springsteen, Mellencamp, et al, and he still
brings to mind those songwriters who paved the way for today’s Americana scene,
but in singing such personal songs, he’s found a voice that’s very much his
own.
The collection ends with the title track, a
nostalgic, reflective take on the loss of innocence and growing up. Its
gentleness and calm assertions feels like White coming to terms with the
situation, and provides a fitting conclusion to a collection of songs that
never fail to move.
Rob F.
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