The Pick Brothers Band - Pink Lemonade

The Pick Brothers Band

Pink Lemonade
self-released; 2013

4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Pink Lemonade by The Pick Brothers Band is proof that you can still sound original in this day and age with traditional instruments (and some non-traditional ones as well since I am pretty sure I heard a kazoo). The Pick Brothers Band is actually three brothers who are extremely gifted songwriters as well as technically proficient musicians and use their skills creatively throughout the album. You are bombarded with rich instrumentation such as bass, horns, mandolin, guitar and much more, which creates a huge variety of sound in this eclectic surplus of sounds.

From the first moments of “Can’t Be You” you know you are going to be in for a treat.  The song starts off with solid a drum beat with crazy hi-hat work that get catapulted into the next level craftsmanship when the bass and guitar enter (the bass line is great – it reminded me of Menomena). As the song progresses it tends to cross-pollinate between rock as well as ska. The title track “Pink Lemonade” has some of the best whistling this side of Andrew Bird as well as powerful yet subtle piano. As wonderful as the instrumentation is it’s the vocals that are exceptional. Towards the end of the song it veers to a gospel choir revival that Spiritualized would be proud of. Another exceptional song is “Circles,” which fuses together their technical prowess and creative ambition while “Hey Sugar!” is a funk-based bass thumper. 

“Drunk Singing Happy” may be the best song on the album. The songs title feels absolutely like the song. I was sober while listening to it but it would be a great song to put on while drinking with friends to sing along with. The song explodes with beautiful string work and a stunning vocal performance. It is an essential listen on the album. “Stay With Me” is sung in a falsetto while utilizing some more impressive bass work as well vocal harmonies.The album closes with the exuberant “Moonlight,” which contains an ample amount of energy and ends with a bang.

From beginning to end this album is a good if not great album with very few flaws. Pink Lemonade brings you original music that demands any music fan’s attention. It is highly recommended.

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