Brightwood seemed to catch my attention almost out of nowhere. I checked out their myspace page on a link from a friend and was immediately attracted to their sound. When their debut EP â┚¬Ã‹Å“The Love Antidoteâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ finally made its way into my hands, I had only had one listen before I was ready for the full-length.
Self-described â┚¬Ã‹Å“Brightwood is a four-piece aggressive melodic rock group based in the Portland areaâ┚¬Ã‚¦a modern blend of raw, yet intelligent, melodic rock laced with soaring guitars, passionate vocals and intermittent tasteful screamsâ┚¬Ã‚¦Ãƒ¢Ã¢”š¬? I will boldly state that no band has made an impact on me this much since my first listen of Copelandâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s â┚¬Ã‹Å“Beneath Medicine Tree.â┚¬Ã¢”ž¢

Brightwood takes the tone of artists like the Goo Goo Dolls, and Rookie of the Year and puts their own spin on it. The EP begins with incredibly produced programming that doesnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t overrun the bright toned guitars and vocal melodies. Vocalists Andrew and Stephen complement each other, and until reading the liner notes of the cd, I couldnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t discover why until last names were mentioned. Drummer and Guitarist, this combination of brothers are bringing a vocal combination rarely found in todayâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s music. Adding Benjamin Hawkins on guitars and Matt Fosket on bass, this four-piece has collectively stumbled upon a formidable sound.

The third track â┚¬Ã‹Å“In Memoryâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ reaches the peak of acoustic splendor that I would expect from a band who denotes their concentration on it. This track establishes their range as a group. From entering with acoustic guitar, following with piano and blending in distorted guitars and booming drums, this epic ballad sings â┚¬Ã‹Å“you carried my heart in the midst of this battle, in your hands, And Iâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ll wait for you.â┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ As I stated earlier, I am waiting for a full length and to see the incredible things this group can achieve.

Brightwood has written, recorded, produced and mixed an EP that will remain a staple on my playlist for as far as I can see. These six songs sound as though they were done with an endless budget, yet this independent band, about to embark on a west coast tour is seemingly â┚¬Ã‹Å“do-it-yourself.â┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ Expect great things from these guys and BUY THIS EP!

Track Listing
1. My Reply
2. Sit Still
3. In Memory
4. The Futile
5. Superfire
6. Unspoken

Standout Tracks
The Entire EP, literally