At Sea

This is a fortune-teller’s idea of a band name. Former solo artist Jason Brody has put together a band and is drawing the Death card on his former career. As my copy of Tarot for Dummies explains it, that means the rebirth of something new. In this case, it’s a lush, seductive sound that can best be described as a martini on a dark, full-moon evening. It’s also a bit of high-energy rock -- the first track, “Call off Your Dogs,” is pretty upbeat for a dead guy.

Brody’s strengths have always been the high notes and the harmonies. With a full band, those vocals have more life. We don’t get last names on any of these people, but bassist Geoff, guitarist/keyboardist Cary, and percussionist Jeff team up with Brody for a sensual, sophisticated sound that kicks up a notch the vibe I fell in love with on Brody’s solo work. “Siren Song” is a perfect example. It’s a dreamy, ethereal pop ballad that just makes me want to grow wings and fly into a starry night. Over New York City. It’s that inviting.

The band works its own experimentation into the music. On the musically-ominous “Midnight Stroll,” the guitars seem to “bong” like church bells ringing a death toll, which makes the romantic lyrics sound a little more like something being said by a vampire:

Twilight down
Hope to see you again
I’m already there
Won’t be long now, I’ll come out
To watch the light in your eyes
The look of surprise
My blood starts to rise
I can hardly wait ‘til our midnight stroll
I’ll be outside waiting on you
After all I’m only animal
And curious ...

The band also experiments with an avant-garde kick on “Vanity,” which contains the intriguing line, “I need a little vanity, want some of your ecstasy.” But no matter where this band roams, they envelop the sound with mystery and those gorgeous harmonies. I especially like how a string section is woven into the introspective ballad “Broken.”

This new band hasn’t really killed off the solo star. They’ve just absorbed his essence and created something more daring out of it. You’ll leave the funeral with a mellow vibe, a smile, and a Tarot card in your pocket.

by Jennifer Layton
- Jennifer Layton

This is a fortune-teller’s idea of a band name. Former solo artist Jason Brody has put together a band and is drawing the Death card on his former career. As my copy of Tarot for Dummies explains it, that means the rebirth of something new. In this case, it’s a lush, seductive sound that can best be described as a martini on a dark, full-moon evening. It’s also a bit of high-energy rock -- the first track, “Call off Your Dogs,” is pretty upbeat for a dead guy.

Brody’s strengths have always been the high notes and the harmonies. With a full band, those vocals have more life. We don’t get last names on any of these people, but bassist Geoff, guitarist/keyboardist Cary, and percussionist Jeff team up with Brody for a sensual, sophisticated sound that kicks up a notch the vibe I fell in love with on Brody’s solo work. “Siren Song” is a perfect example. It’s a dreamy, ethereal pop ballad that just makes me want to grow wings and fly into a starry night. Over New York City. It’s that inviting.

The band works its own experimentation into the music. On the musically-ominous “Midnight Stroll,” the guitars seem to “bong” like church bells ringing a death toll, which makes the romantic lyrics sound a little more like something being said by a vampire:

Twilight down
Hope to see you again
I’m already there
Won’t be long now, I’ll come out
To watch the light in your eyes
The look of surprise
My blood starts to rise
I can hardly wait ‘til our midnight stroll
I’ll be outside waiting on you
After all I’m only animal
And curious ...

The band also experiments with an avant-garde kick on “Vanity,” which contains the intriguing line, “I need a little vanity, want some of your ecstasy.” But no matter where this band roams, they envelop the sound with mystery and those gorgeous harmonies. I especially like how a string section is woven into the introspective ballad “Broken.”

This new band hasn’t really killed off the solo star. They’ve just absorbed his essence and created something more daring out of it. You’ll leave the funeral with a mellow vibe, a smile, and a Tarot card in your pocket.

by Jennifer Layton
- Jennifer Layton

"Everything dies baby that's a fact, but maybe everything that dies someday comes back."

- Bruce Springsteen


Don't be fooled my friends, Jason Brody is very much alive. Just that in a musical sense he now comes in band form. The solo model has been discontinued. Besides, would The Boss lie?

N.Y. City's Brody has already shown on 2003s To The Quick what he is capable of, just now he is fleshing out his sound with the help of his pals. "So what" you might ask? Well this new set up certainly puts a much tighter groove into his songs which makes for a much more instant appeal.

This self titled mini-album literally smacks you in the face and demands to be listened to. Opener 'Call Off Your Dogs' packs a punch both musically and lyrically, giving, it seems, those supposedly in charge a not too friendly warning to take a hike.

Having first appeared on his solo album, 'Midnight Stroll' gets a welcome reprise here in full band mode. Though I have never been to New York in my life, Brody has the ability to put you right on the sidewalk of the city that never sleeps.

Though what nails it is final track 'Bitter Pill' which sees the band change gears to a slightly laid back feel that is reminiscent of The Gin Blossoms at their peak. If there are more songs like this up their sleeve then The Death Of Jason Brody have a long life ahead of them.


- Disco Stu McPhee

"Everything dies baby that's a fact, but maybe everything that dies someday comes back."

- Bruce Springsteen


Don't be fooled my friends, Jason Brody is very much alive. Just that in a musical sense he now comes in band form. The solo model has been discontinued. Besides, would The Boss lie?

N.Y. City's Brody has already shown on 2003s To The Quick what he is capable of, just now he is fleshing out his sound with the help of his pals. "So what" you might ask? Well this new set up certainly puts a much tighter groove into his songs which makes for a much more instant appeal.

This self titled mini-album literally smacks you in the face and demands to be listened to. Opener 'Call Off Your Dogs' packs a punch both musically and lyrically, giving, it seems, those supposedly in charge a not too friendly warning to take a hike.

Having first appeared on his solo album, 'Midnight Stroll' gets a welcome reprise here in full band mode. Though I have never been to New York in my life, Brody has the ability to put you right on the sidewalk of the city that never sleeps.

Though what nails it is final track 'Bitter Pill' which sees the band change gears to a slightly laid back feel that is reminiscent of The Gin Blossoms at their peak. If there are more songs like this up their sleeve then The Death Of Jason Brody have a long life ahead of them.


- Disco Stu McPhee

The Death of Jason Brody's self-titled EP was named one of Indie-Music.com's Top 25 Indie Albums of 2006 in their year-end music roundup. - Indie-Music.com

This New York foursome's moniker is not a reference to anything morbid, but to singer/songwriter Brody's decision to jettison his former solo career in favor of a full-band approach. His presence is still at the forefront here, but his formidable ensemble now complements his pleasant, falsetto-tinged pop/soul crooning with bright and airy arrangements. Perhaps it is the two relatively brisk tunes that bookend this six-song EP (the superb "Call Off Your Dogs" and "Bitter Pill"), and the more amplified "Vanity," that show off his band's talents better. But when the group plays quieter, Brody's aching, forlorn lyrics are more laid out and bare, successfully evoking the "overwhelming sense of longing" that the group's bio suggests. - Mark Suppanz

The Death of Jason Brody's self-titled EP was named one of Indie-Music.com's Top 25 Indie Albums of 2006 in their year-end music roundup. - Indie-Music.com

The Death of Jason Brody is a guitar-driven classic indie-rock meets radio-friendly pop foursome from New York City. The pretty, drony guitar riffs recall bands from the bygone days of indie rock - Versus, while the vocals sound more contemporary - the Shins might be a close comparison.

The band takes a turn away from the classic indie rock sound on "Midnight Stroll", where they bust out some 8-bit blips and bleeps and drum machines to good effect. Interesting production makes this song one of the short album's highlights - others include the opening track "Call Off Your Dogs" and the well-written and particularly melodious "Bitter Pill", with flowing melodies reminiscent of those of the Shins' James Mercer. The song benefits from particularly beautiful layered guitar riffs that bring the album to an explosive finish and also evokes comparisons to classic Elvis Costello.

Overall, a nice debut effort that will appeal to fans of classic poppy indie-rock and guitar pop.

- Gordon Isnor

The Death of Jason Brody is a guitar-driven classic indie-rock meets radio-friendly pop foursome from New York City. The pretty, drony guitar riffs recall bands from the bygone days of indie rock - Versus, while the vocals sound more contemporary - the Shins might be a close comparison.

The band takes a turn away from the classic indie rock sound on "Midnight Stroll", where they bust out some 8-bit blips and bleeps and drum machines to good effect. Interesting production makes this song one of the short album's highlights - others include the opening track "Call Off Your Dogs" and the well-written and particularly melodious "Bitter Pill", with flowing melodies reminiscent of those of the Shins' James Mercer. The song benefits from particularly beautiful layered guitar riffs that bring the album to an explosive finish and also evokes comparisons to classic Elvis Costello.

Overall, a nice debut effort that will appeal to fans of classic poppy indie-rock and guitar pop.

- Gordon Isnor

EXCERPTED FROM FULL ARTICLE:
Jason Brody, lead singer for an independent pop-rock band in the East Village, said his group recently altered its shopdropping tactics to cater to the holiday rush.

Normally the band, the Death of Jason Brody, slips promotional CD singles between the pages of The Village Voice newspaper and into the racks at large music stores. But lately, band members have been slipping into department stores and putting stickers with logos for trendy designers like Diesel, John Varvatos and 7 for All Mankind on their CDs, which they then slip into the pockets of designer jeans or place on counters.

“Bloomingdale’s and 7 for All Mankind present the Death of Jason Brody, our pick for New York band to watch in 2008,” read a sticker on one of the CDs placed near a register at Bloomingdales. “As thanks for trying us on, we’re giving you this special holiday gift.” Bloomingdales and 7 for All Mankind declined to comment.

- by Ian Urbina

EXCERPTED FROM FULL ARTICLE:
Jason Brody, lead singer for an independent pop-rock band in the East Village, said his group recently altered its shopdropping tactics to cater to the holiday rush.

Normally the band, the Death of Jason Brody, slips promotional CD singles between the pages of The Village Voice newspaper and into the racks at large music stores. But lately, band members have been slipping into department stores and putting stickers with logos for trendy designers like Diesel, John Varvatos and 7 for All Mankind on their CDs, which they then slip into the pockets of designer jeans or place on counters.

“Bloomingdale’s and 7 for All Mankind present the Death of Jason Brody, our pick for New York band to watch in 2008,” read a sticker on one of the CDs placed near a register at Bloomingdales. “As thanks for trying us on, we’re giving you this special holiday gift.” Bloomingdales and 7 for All Mankind declined to comment.

- by Ian Urbina

The Death of Jason Brody formed in 2006 after Jason Brody took a musical hiatus, which ultimately spawned the New York City-based foursome. TDOJB does stand out in a sea of monotony, however it stops just short of home plate. For starters, vocalist Jason Brody mumbles the lyrics. His voice may be distinct, but it apparently lacks the ability to annunciate. Conversely, the lyrics are very good. “Broken,” a mellow track about a breakup, is completely relatable without being a pop-cliché. If Brody would only clear his throat, it might be addictive. Still, very noteworthy. - by Nina Fomufod

The Death of Jason Brody formed in 2006 after Jason Brody took a musical hiatus, which ultimately spawned the New York City-based foursome. TDOJB does stand out in a sea of monotony, however it stops just short of home plate. For starters, vocalist Jason Brody mumbles the lyrics. His voice may be distinct, but it apparently lacks the ability to annunciate. Conversely, the lyrics are very good. “Broken,” a mellow track about a breakup, is completely relatable without being a pop-cliché. If Brody would only clear his throat, it might be addictive. Still, very noteworthy. - by Nina Fomufod

Comparable to tear-stained type on the pages of a hand written eulogy, The Death of Jason Brody is a reminiscent collection of songs that sounds best during those moments where leafing through the calendar backwards, recounting the days that were, and wondering if they will ever be the same again seem like the only thing to do. On their latest EP, the NYC quartet, fronted, conveniently, by Brody, pays homage to an era when agreeable acts like Toad the Wet Sprocket and The Gin Blossoms ironed out grunge scene flannel with introspective lyrics and a real appreciation for the hook. And while the band's nostalgic modern rock certainly sounds familiar, The Death of Jason Brody's music also brims with its own artistic uniqueness. Exploring lust, disconnect, boozy nights, and a sense of longing, Brody never really sounds completely happy with the decisions he has made. Like the loved ones of someone who has recently passed, Brody seems as if he is trying to put what haunts him in the rearview mirror. - by David Pitz

Comparable to tear-stained type on the pages of a hand written eulogy, The Death of Jason Brody is a reminiscent collection of songs that sounds best during those moments where leafing through the calendar backwards, recounting the days that were, and wondering if they will ever be the same again seem like the only thing to do. On their latest EP, the NYC quartet, fronted, conveniently, by Brody, pays homage to an era when agreeable acts like Toad the Wet Sprocket and The Gin Blossoms ironed out grunge scene flannel with introspective lyrics and a real appreciation for the hook. And while the band's nostalgic modern rock certainly sounds familiar, The Death of Jason Brody's music also brims with its own artistic uniqueness. Exploring lust, disconnect, boozy nights, and a sense of longing, Brody never really sounds completely happy with the decisions he has made. Like the loved ones of someone who has recently passed, Brody seems as if he is trying to put what haunts him in the rearview mirror. - by David Pitz

Buzzworthy pop rockers, The Death of Jason Brody, just booked themselves into one of New York City's favorite little venues The Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston at Ave A). Their gig, which is on August 15th (just so you know thats a Wednesday - figured I would save you the trouble of consulting your calendar), promises to be a launching point for this band getting ready to break. Besides the great tunes, there is going to be some rare The Death of Jason Brody swag to score at the show, including limited edition t-shirts (sorry fellas, ladies only at the moment) and other assorted doodads and prizes. So march yourself on down to the Mercury and pay the scant $10 cover charge to see a band everyone is going to be talking about in no time. Don't say I didn't warn you. - by Dan Berkman

Buzzworthy pop rockers, The Death of Jason Brody, just booked themselves into one of New York City's favorite little venues The Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston at Ave A). Their gig, which is on August 15th (just so you know thats a Wednesday - figured I would save you the trouble of consulting your calendar), promises to be a launching point for this band getting ready to break. Besides the great tunes, there is going to be some rare The Death of Jason Brody swag to score at the show, including limited edition t-shirts (sorry fellas, ladies only at the moment) and other assorted doodads and prizes. So march yourself on down to the Mercury and pay the scant $10 cover charge to see a band everyone is going to be talking about in no time. Don't say I didn't warn you. - by Dan Berkman

Jason Brody has released an impeccable solo record solo and now he's formed a group. Death means not just the end as in the tarot deck, but also a new beginning.

The debut mini-album sees the foursome as a tightly knit unit. "Call Off Your Dogs" is sweet and urgent, Brody's special voice at its finest. "Siren Song" is softer but has an evocative lead vocal and a nice melody. "Broken" is a sad and poignant breakup song where Brody's unique talent is fully unveiled.

This release makes a nice staring point for the band. The death of Jason Brody hopefully has a long life head of them.

- by Anna Maria Stjarnell

Jason Brody has released an impeccable solo record solo and now he's formed a group. Death means not just the end as in the tarot deck, but also a new beginning.

The debut mini-album sees the foursome as a tightly knit unit. "Call Off Your Dogs" is sweet and urgent, Brody's special voice at its finest. "Siren Song" is softer but has an evocative lead vocal and a nice melody. "Broken" is a sad and poignant breakup song where Brody's unique talent is fully unveiled.

This release makes a nice staring point for the band. The death of Jason Brody hopefully has a long life head of them.

- by Anna Maria Stjarnell