Album Review: Brett Detar- Bird In The Tangle
“Let ‘em take your wallet, and let ‘em take your things. You got your soul, boy, and that’s all you need to sing.”
When I first heard of Brett Detar’s plan to release a solo album, I was thrilled at the idea of some sort of continuation of The Juliana Theory’s signature sound. What was released in November 2010, though, was a far cry from my original hopes and dreams… and I’m actually pretty happy about that.
Genre: Folk, Alt-Country, Americana
Brett Detar’s Bird in The Tangle is a refreshing blend of storytelling and slide guitar that paints a picture of the American old west in the 18th century. Upon listening to the album it is easy to throw yourself right into the mix and see yourself as a cowboy dancing with the devil around a campfire… a camp fire that is being tendered by Clint Eastwood dressed as Dirty Harry. Listen to “The Devil’s Gotta Earn” or “Coasts” and you’ll know exactly the feeling that I’m talking about.
The album has a drive and fast pace that stays pretty consistent with its country western feel, and sometimes reminds me of Murder By Death‘s In Boca Al Lupo. Swinging back and forth between anthems, ballads (“Empty House On A Famous Hill”), and heart wrenching storytelling (“A Miner’s Prayer”); the record pays homage to some of country musics great songwriters while also nodding in the direction of Detar’s own past. Though he has been involved with bands of many genres (Zao, The Juliana Theory, etc.) throughout the years, his solo record seems to be his way of channelling the time he spent growing up and working on a farm. Though the experience might not have acted as the catalyst for his success, it is easy to hear his down home and earthly influences running rampant through every track of Bird In The Tangle.
Overall I was very impressed with the album, and felt that it was well put together. It seems to alternate between fast paced, percussive, tunes and slow moving ballads about every other track; which gives the whole unit a nice ebb and flow that constantly commands your attention. His use of strings and banjos further add a sense of depth to the album and create an atmosphere that at times reminds me of the late great Johnny Cash. (“This City Dies Tonight”) For that, I give the record an 8 out of 10.
Other notable tracks on Bird In The Tangle include “The Devil’s Gotta’ Earn”, “Road To Ruin Woman”, and “A Miner’s Prayer”.
If you enjoy Brett Detar you might also like: Murder By Death, Justin Townes Earle, The Wanderer, Have Gun, Will Travel, Joshua Black Wilkins, Nick 13, or Good Luck Mountain.
Download the album for FREE here.
Suprieor thinking demonstrated above. Thanks!