Braddock Station Garrison - high water

Braddock Station Garrison

High Water
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Ethan Skeleton

Braddock Station Garrison hails from Washington D.C. and bring with them an East Coast inspired melodic side to rock music. Power and vulnerability are common themes between tracks that borrow just the right amount of light 60’s and heavy 70’s music. The engineering is top notch, and no surprise there, as the group brought Don Zientera (Fugazi, Dave Grohl) on board.

The album High Water starts out very stated with “Into Your Arms.”  It has a big wall of sound on the guitar, there’s a dirty power in the tone, and the drums dance down the toms with punching snares. The bass guitar pedals the bottom in groove submission while the vocals blend some kind of Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney character. “A Lot To Ask” is a gentler hip shaker. The drums hit the ride or crash bell on 1 during phrase closings in the verse and chorus, a little different of an approach. We hear some two-part harmony on this one and it’s a good mix until somewhere in the bridge, tonalities sway into diminished chords and things get a little abrasive.

“Fall” – from the first few seconds one immediately identifies with the prior track. The progression, tempo, and phrasing are all too similar to “A Lot To Ask.”  This isn’t necessarily working against this song because we all know that most albums find success in working some shape or color from their single into most of the other tracks.

There’s a really nice hook on “Maria with Child” with playful intervals. Good guitar work on the solo, the drums have a solid drive to them. Good upper neck tone and intriguing lyrical message. “California Specific” also sports an interesting title. It starts off ambient and regal with a great choice of 6/8 feel. The vocals are fit for an anthem and yet it’s like a 60’s ballad meets premature Green Day.

Can you say Rush? “Girl Gotta Gun” has a guitar line very reminiscent of “Limelight.” That’s a measure of someone who pays close attention to quality stations and good sound production. Also, the vocals on this one have that vintage distortion to them, the kind where you picture the lead man drawling into the mic at point blank. Style points for sure.

High Water is built upon front man Steve Schillinger but the whole band contributes their own take on his work. It comes across as a collaborative effort without trying too hard.

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