Brookhaven/Scatter Swept - Modern Remains
Two Oakland, California bands, Brookhaven and Scatter Swept recently released a collaborative album, called Modern Remains. Some of the tracks are purely instrumental, while others feature the voice of Patricia Kavanaugh.
Brookhaven | Scatter Swept | Photo Credit: Tim Woodruff
Brookhaven began as the home recording project of Sonny James, and evolved into a shoegaze-post-rock band with a revolving lineup. The band dropped two studio albums, along with a number of singles and EPs on the Expel Records label, and shared the stage with Papa M, Black Francis, Tussle, the Moogs, Danny Paul Grody, and the Drift.
James (guitar, synth) invited the members of Scatter Swept to join him on Modern Remains, along with three other notable musicians: Michael Jacobs, Henry Larsen, and Nick Andre. Scatter Swept is made up of Ryohei Hinokuma (guitar, bass), Matt Holt (guitar, bass), Patricia Kavanaugh (drums, guitar, vocals).
Modern Remains contains nine tracks, starting off with “Sawtell,” an alt-rock instrumental number graced by layers of guitar textures, ranging from simple resonant riffs to byzantine gleaming surfaces, as well as a tasty leitmotif bedizened by complex colors.
Frankly, there’s not a sub-par track on 'Modern Remains.' This is one of the best albums I’ve reviewed in quite some time. 'Modern Remains' is definitely worth your attention.
From a personal perspective, the highlights on the album include “Already Moving Away,” with its dreamy alt-rock hues flowing on prog-rock savors. Kavanaugh’s creamy, ethereal tones wash the tune in luminous tones, infusing the music with protective coloration. “Be A Certain Number” blends initial jazz tinges with Pink Floyd-esque sonic drifting movement, innovative and transient at the same time.
“Path In The Dark” builds over swelling guitar riffs, sparkling, glistening, and merging into fractal waves of radiant color. This is a deliciously intricate tune, demonstrating ferocious elegance, polish, and, in the end, a declarative cashmere charm.
“I Write For No One” opens on a single guitar and then adds supple rippling layers, as more guitars join in, until metallic beams of rainbow-like pigments interweave in a gorgeous sonic dance.
Frankly, there’s not a sub-par track on Modern Remains. This is one of the best albums I’ve reviewed in quite some time. Modern Remains is definitely worth your attention.
