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Live "Garage Session" March 2012 - Toro Magazine
Title: Like You Were Here
Artist: Brocade
Label: Self-released
Released: November 2011
In One Word: Grower
Music is like breakfast cereal. Some varieties can give you instant gratification with the snap, crackle, exploding-sugar-on-the-tongue pop sensation – mass produced and ready for quick consumption; but after two minutes its already old and soggy. Then there are the steady staples – tried and tested, good for you, but without the shiny packaging and instant sugar-rush gratification. Now, with that metaphor in mind, I’m going to stop short of calling Calgary power trio Brocade the musical equivalent of shredded wheat – but their product is equally unassuming and offers a wholesome alternative in a market saturated with sugar-coated, highly branded rivals.
Enough about cereal.
What we have here is the classic example of a slow-burner. A grower. Brocade’s debut album Like You Were Here is so much of a grower that is has taken me half a year to get around to writing about it. I received this album sometime around the turn of the year, and since then this Brocade CD has found itself permanently resting in the CD tray of my stereo. During the course of the past six months, I’ve probably listened to this album by default at least 30 times when my iPod hasn’t been docked, and while many other CD submissions have been spun and discarded. While other CDs find their way into a teetering Leaning-Tower-Of-Pisa shaped rejection, Brocade, have stood firm, defiant. My first impression upon hearing this album was lukewarm. 30 plays later, my appreciation has grown.
Brocade do the Alt Country thing that so many bands from “out West” in Canada seem to do. Thankfully, while there are some country hooks and keys, the songs are absent of any lyrics about diner waitresses, tractors and Chevy trucks. Of the more country heavy moments, Brocade get my interest most with the with the likes of “Every Single Day”, a driving song about a girl, and a slower one, “Three Days Wiser”, a slow dusty number with organ keys and a cool bit of heavier blues guitar soloing.
Mostly when I listen to this record it’s just casual background music, but my interest spikes when the band step up the tempo and attack their instruments mid-album with “Riot Riot”. Brocade changed the track-order for this album for it’s digital release by putting “Riot Riot” to track one, which is probably a good thing because it is the most obvious stand-out track on the album and represents the most obvious direction with which the band should be channeling their focus: into charging, high-tempo alt rock, replete with those Albertan country boy licks. However, while “Riot Riot” is the obvious choice for a stand-out, the actual best track on this album is the hidden gem “Better Than This”. With “Better Than This”, singer/guitarist Todd Stewart dials back his vocals to a refrained, sullen tone and is joined by his band mates who harmonise over a piano and some light percussion – it works really well, creating a song with some real sentiment and tenderness. It’s the artistic stand-out moment of the record. Done right, simpler songs like this this make a much bigger and more lasting impression than the cliche amped-up, sugar-rush ‘chargers’. I’m not sure if Brocade could get away with making a full album of forlorn piano-accompanied numbers but if they build their catalogue to include more songs with this kind of unmasked emotion then they could really grow to become a band of note.
© Brian Banks, Editor, Music Vice
- Music Vice
Like You Were Here is the debut album from Calgary-based trio Brocade, who have been playing together for two years. A self identified kitsch rock band, the west coast musicians’ release draws upon a number of influences, including country and roots-folk. Guitarist Todd Stewarts’ husky vocals dominate a number of tracks with lyrics about rock staples such as riots and Cadillacs. “Three Days Wiser” is a surprising mid-album ballad, a song that features a slower tempo and thoughtfulness that demonstrate a depth in lyricism, vocal harmonies, and song structure that sets the track apart from the majority of the album. Similarly, “Every Single Day” and “ Better Than This” feature noticeable piano-parts that steer the group away from falling too far into the classic rock influenced all-male rock trio mold. At it’s best; Like You Were Here shows glimpses of promise from a relatively young group.
By Amanda McCulley
Dec 10, 2011 - Earshot - The National Campus and Community Radio Report
In the music world, each genre speaks to a different demographic. But regardless of genre, the stage set-up that surrounds an act can make or break a live show creating an atmosphere in which new fans are born.
The Gateway was host to ‘90s band the Odds recently. Although they were the headlining act, the buzz throughout the evening was for opening act, Brocade.
The Calgary band blew away those in attendance, not only for their dynamic sound but for their stage presentation. An eclectic ‘70s inspired living room adorned with Persian rugs, retro lamps, and a horde of velvet paintings suspended across the stage set the ambiance for Brocade’s set-up.
“The detail … of the set was so visually appealing, but it didn’t take away from the music at all. To see something like that at a venue as small as the Gate was unexpected,” said Lauren Wispinski, a SAIT alumnus who was in the audience “I love finding new and obscure bands.”
Set details are often overlooked by even the biggest names in music, disregarding the reality that a concert is about more than just the music. Acts like Lady Gaga, who was left bankrupt after spending millions of her own income to ensure her eccentric set was possible, or U2, whose stage design left them $750,000 out of pocket, understand the importance of creating a concert.
Both acts create an event that leaves the audience dumbfounded because it takes talent to the next level and creates an unforgettable performance.
“It is an opportunity that is really missed,” said Todd Stewart, front man for Brocade. “It really offers a cool vibe for the night.”
It is rare to see an up-and-coming act put that kind of time and thought into their live performance, yet Brocade gladly spends the extra time lugging all their props across the country in order to leave a lasting impression.
by Alex Glazerman, A&E Editor | October 13, 2011 - The Weal, SAIT College
The debut effort from Calgary trio Brocade touches upon a number of different influences throughout the eight songs feature on Like You Were Here. Boasting a relatively clean guitar tone, melody reigns supreme for these Albertans, using their knack for the melodious to their advantage. The rock group delivers more than a few standout tracks including first single Riot Riot, album opener She Speaks Cruel, Kitchen Sinks and Better Than This. If anything, Brocade capably prove that memorable songs win out over volume on almost any given day.
- Ken Keeley - The Music Nerd Chronicles
Calgary based country/ rock/ pop trio Brocade have an interesting sound on their new CD “Like You Were Here.”
The eight track CD is alt country tinged rock music which sounds like a combination of an electrified Elliott Brood a touch of Wilco and early ’70s David Bowie.There are also tinges of the Clash as well as the Strokes with a little bit of late ’90s pop-rock along the lines of the Gin Blossoms and Soul Asylum. The eight tracks are a solid effort of country tinged rock music with understated vocal harmonies, and simple but effective guitar, plus subdued steel guitar and even a piano on “Every Single Day.” The more Elliott Brood sounding tracks — the very catchy “ Hungry” and the last track “So Far Away,” are a couple major highlights of the CD. As is the upbeat number “Riot, Riot.”
On “Like You Were Here,” Brocade have blended a variety of different influences and sounds to create a very appealing listen of catchy songs.
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
CD: Like You Were Here
Band: Brocade
Genre: rock/ pop/ country - Lethbridge Alberta Beat Arts & Entertainment
Discography
"Like You Were Here" - 2011
First single "Riot Riot" is receiving airplay throughout Canada on CBC, Galaxie, Internet radio, Slacker Radio and varied syndicated and college stations. The video for the first single "Riot Riot" is currently on regular rotation on AUX TV.
In addition five additional songs have been added to playlists throughout Canada for CBC, Galaxie and Slacker Radio.
Photos
Bio
Someone once told me that a true musician never quits... they die, asserts Todd Stewart, one-third of Calgary, Alberta-based rock brigade Brocade. Boasting fiery eyes, wildly gesturing hands and a voice dripping with passion, if the vocalist/guitarist and mates Weeze Brown (bass) and Nate Giebelhaus (drums) were any more alive, their electrified vitality would torch everything they touch. Yet as Stewart asserts, despite Brocades joie de vivre, its the inherently interwoven elements of respect, vitality and impeccable ability that has resulted in brilliant independent debut full-length Like You Were Here.
The Gospel of this band is wanting this to be bigger than anything we could do on our own, he continues excitedly. You really feel that in our live show. Were a power trio that sounds like five people onstage. Were admittedly selfish about loving everything we do up there. Were indulgent,
but thats what keeps us honed on our goals and direction".
Formed in 2009, the triumvirate actually boast roots planted over a decade ago. Cutting young teeth in various acts together, Stewart, Brown and Giebelhaus continually felt pulled towards one another; compelled to share a unified
musical vision, eventually resulting in Like You Were Here.
I was working on this album in 2009, Stewart reveals. I had known Nate through other gigs, seeing him around town and meeting through mutual friends. There was always an interest in working together. He came on board but we needed a bassist. Weeze was an old band mate and friend that has the same musical drive as me. I asked him to fly out from Vancouver for one New Years Eve gig... You hear those stories about shows where its easy to play together and theres an undeniable instant chemistry? That was us. Eventually he moved to Calgary for good.
Honing that unbridled energy, ability and conviction into one focal point, some two years after that fateful gig, Brocade celebrate Like You Were Here, an impacting and exciting, blunt yet inspired and imaginative affair forged on an unusual amalgam of genres. Pulling from vast influences including classic rock and old country yet expanding into individual favourites such as Wilco and stripped-down folk,
Like You Were Here cements the dogma of diverse inspiration into the singular sound that is Brocade.
A library of an artists work has a common thread...you can hear our own character in this album, Stewart declares. Were not rewriting the foundation of music but
neither are we replicating one thing. This album is roots, alternative rock, pop...you name it. We love so many styles of music, theres a lot placed and layered in our sound. Were not vain enough to start our own genre. To us, songwriting trumps everything and spans genres. Theres a bit of genre-jumping going on here because of our diverse interests. Wherever the sound needs to be is where it goes. Were the moderators of that idea and its our responsibility to bring it to life. We pay attention to whats great about the song at hand and pay respect to it.
Recorded in their own home-built studio and well under way before bringing in acclaimed producer Shawn Cole (Pride Tiger, You Say Party, Yukon Blonde, Bend Sinister) to add finishing touches, from the compelling essence of Riot, Riot through to Three Days Wiser with its heartfelt reflection and the pointed menace of Hungry, Like You Were Here is a perfect document of three fertile musicians
creating unforgettable, dynamic rock.
I had written most of these songs before the band was formed, Stewart reveals about the patience founded in Like You Were Here. But I knew they needed a stronger live dynamic, so we took a year of playing together to figure each other out and apply it to each track, moving around arrangements and bringing it to a fresh level.
Nate and Weeze added their hand-prints to the songs, making something really unique, he continues. Our sensibilities, styles and ideas are what define Brocade. Being honest is an element thats always been in our favorite bands, so it had to be in us. When listening to music, you can tell if people are faking it. You can fake it but you cant succeed. It has to be genuine. There can never be a formula. Were as organic as possible with what we do.
Shining through in lyrics that range from politically-motivated barnstormers through to rueful heartache and nostalgic reflection, Like You Were Heres themes are as encompassing as its sound. Regardless of influence, context or subject matter however, Stewart strips away all pretence, defining the core of both Brocade and Like You Were Here in one simple statement. We didnt learn to play to impress. This is about how everyone has a journey in life and Like You Were Here is ours. Thats the goal of this band: doing everything and going for it without ego. Were about being a part of something bigger. We back our words and were passionate. We might be starving
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