The Pick Brothers Band

Do you remember the first time you saw an iPod commercial? I remember my first. You know the one – silhouetted figures atop backgrounds of simple colours, dancing wildly to the chorus of Steriogram’s “Walkie Talkie Man”? The bright visual design, the way the people moved their bodies so freely, the quirk of the song – I never lost sight of the fact that it was intended to sell me a product, but that commercial was so fun and infectious that it seemed to sum up everything that I loved about music at the time. And then they followed that one up with commercials featuring all kinds of other bands that were as concerned with making you dance really hard through good ol’ catchy rock n’ roll: The Fratellis. Caesars. Jet. Even Feist, that one time. I certainly can’t remember all of them – there were a lot of iPod commercials at the turn of the century, and there were a lot of bands trying to recapture the “fun” aspect of rock music at the time too. Indeed, that first wave of (yes, heavily commercialized) indie rock was perhaps the most concentrated moment of bands being self-consciously “fun” since the mid-60s. And as someone who grew up around that time, I must say, I sort of miss it.

The Pick Brothers Band is the sort of group that would probably have had a song in an iPod commercial, in that bygone era. It is perhaps unsurprising, considering the title of their debut record Pink Lemonade, that this trio of bros deals in sunny, breezy music that is simultaneously energetic and soothing. There’s a sense of nostalgia here, both in the lyrics – which mostly deal with pining after women and the romanticism of youth – and the way that the songs bounce around with classic rock enthusiasm.

Which isn’t to say that this album is single-minded; underneath the pleasant melodies and generally light aesthetic lies a very high level of musicianship. Countermelody-heavy bass lines, sweet vocal harmonies, intricate drum parts, and wonderfully sloppy guitar solos abound, and the brothers show a fondness for both genre and instrument swapping. Here you’ll find dirty blues numbers, mandolin-and-banjo-intensive folk ballads, a ska verse or two, and even, on one occasion, a saxophone solo.

In short, Pink Lemonade is a lovely record that perfectly caps off the summertime. It definitely deserves a few listens and a place in your music collection - preferably somewhere between Dr. Dog and The Elwins. - Rotten Folk Records

You have to route for the artists who come from your hometown, so maybe I am biased in my unfaltering support for The Pick Brothers Band, but seeing a band from the small suburban town Aurora making a name for themselves in music scenes all around Ontario is something worth celebrating. Two shows in Kingston was all it took to generate a buzz, and now The Pick Brothers is a name I hear regularly. Kingston loves this band. The boys really are brothers and their last name really is pick (like guitar pick) which, if you believe in the sort of thing, can be understood as a sign that the Pick Brothers Band was destined to be. I can’t say anything on the subject of destiny but I will gladly go on about their debut album Pink Lemonade.

With this album they have created a full sound that is hard to define and harder still to pin point its roots. Pink Lemonade is worldly in that on it you can hear sounds and influences from music styles all over the world. One of my favourite tracks, “Drunk Singing Happy” captures the coastal vibes of the Maritimes while “Circles” has a real reggae sound. Each song on Pink Lemonade hits you with such vibrant and optimistic melodies making it a prime party album. You just have to dance.

The great tragedy in blogging about this album is that Pick Brothers truly are a live band. Putting your volume on full blast and rocking out to these infectious tunes in your room is great fun but experiencing them live is what will cement your love for the Pick Brothers. Their shared passion and genuine enthusiasm for music that radiates through their live performance makes me think that maybe it is true these brothers were destined to be a band after all. - The Vault

Pink Lemonade is about summer but it isn’t a typical fun in the sun album. The Pick Brothers Band use swooning riffs and giddy up drums to look back on the free and easy season from a place where the best times of the year are over, yet still fresh in your mind. It’s nostalgic without being regretful.

The title track is predictably the one that gives away the albums big thematic ideas. It’s an acoustic, campfire sing along that starts out intimate and builds to a more lively and inclusive finish. The song “Pink Lemonade” is like the album, more concerned with the stain pink lemonade leaves on your upper lip than what the drink actually tastes like. The band sings “there’s nothing quite like a warm summer day but I love the night time and I love the rain/shine down on me” in an ode to summer times past, that looks ahead to the ones that will come next year. Even if that reading’s completely wrong, the song is infectious. The same kind of thing is going on in, “Drunk Singing Happy”. Instead of a borderline incoherent “Home For A Rest” type track the name suggests, it’s a softer tribute to times spent “Drunk Singing Happy” that sounds a lot like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

“Circles” is Pink Lemonade’s most representative song. It’s got sultry verses and a hectic chorus. “Can’t Be You” is very similar but the best track is probably “Hey Sugar!”. That song earns its exclamation point in just under 3 minuets. Tight music with rambling vocals are guaranteed to make your shoulders go side to side and there’s a horn solo because every sundae needs a cherry on top.

LFP Verdict: Pink Lemonade is straight up rock and roll so it’s hard for anyone not to like. Born Ruffians fans will be especially pleased. Sliding riffs, whack a mole drumming, and mumbling vocals like Alt J or Built To Spill, make The Pick Brothers Band equally appropriate for celebrating and forgetting. Pink Lemonade is a patio record that won’t go out of style in the winter. - Adam Schwartz

QUOTES ABOUT THE PICK BROTHERS BAND

"The Picks are a perfect combination of musicality that will grab you by more than your ears...these guys will be gaining fans for many years to come" – Oliver Johnson, Producer, Creative Director, The Hive

“This young band might have the potential to attain explosive success… [The Pick Brothers Band] is a must-see.” Alexander Reid, Music Writer, The Main, Montreal

"The Pick Brothers are one of Toronto's most exciting upcoming acts. Their live shows carry a sincerity and talent level that truly leave me inspired and excited for their future." – Ellian Bell, Artist Manager at Fullcc Music Group

“Fresh, energetic and good. The Pick Brothers are one of the few musical acts I’ve heard in a while that keep my attention throughout their whole record, and are doing something unique while being true to themselves.” - Mike McKyes, Producer, Engineer, The Grove Productions

” The Pick Brothers are one of these more than good bands. The brothers have got brains: their style is well crafted, their musicianship well practiced. The boys have got soul: their lyrics are sensitive, their peformance impassioned. The brethren know how to fuckin' party - riotous crowds welcome them as good company. But, most of all, Casey, Gabe and Jeremiah are unforgettably endearing; their sound is all too inviting, their tones all too toasty, and their heart all too genuine.” – Nick Yim, Promoter, Blog Editor at Wavo.me

”The Pick Brothers Band is the sort of group that would probably have had a song in an iPod commercial, in that bygone era.” – Daniel Korn, Music Writer, Rottenfolk Records

“The Pick Brothers put on a killer show. They rock like enemies but they blend like brothers.” – Tim Abraham, Producer, Composer

“If you are a connoisseur who dabbles in all musical corners of our planet, you’ll love Pink Lemonade. Both on the record and live, The Pick Brothers always keep me on my toes, listening and pleasantly surprised at every corner. Don’t miss out on these guys. You’ll be missing out on a very precious gem in the heart of the Toronto music scene. Not only can they make a record, but they can deliver live better than many bands who are a kajillion times more famous. [Go] to their insanely entertaining shows.” – Liam McArdle, Music Writer, Musician (The Capitol Beat)

“ Pink Lemonade is straight up rock and roll so it’s hard for anyone not to like. Born Ruffians fans will be especially pleased. Sliding riffs, whack a mole drumming, and mumbling vocals like Alt J or Built To Spill, make The Pick Brothers Band equally appropriate for celebrating and forgetting. Pink Lemonade is a patio record that won’t go out of style in the winter.” – Adam Schwartz, Music Writer, Last Frame Pictures

“The pick brothers play music in the spirit of rock and roll that comes from a place that is genuine to themselves in every way.” – Chris Adriaanse, Musician

“[The Pick Brothers] bring serious enthusiasm and playful banter to the stage.” – Amber Waves, Music Writer
- Various

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. - The Equal Ground

"The Pick Brothers Band display great, mature songwriting with playful, catchy melodies. Lots of depth here - I really dig it!" - Dave Spencer, Manager, Sam Roberts Band

"The Picks are a perfect combination of musicality that will grab you by more than your ears...these guys will be gaining fans for many years to come." – Oliver Johnson, Producer, Creative Director, The Hive

“This young band might have the potential to attain explosive success… [The Pick Brothers Band] is a must-see.” Alexander Reid, Music Writer, The Main, Montreal

"The Pick Brothers are one of Toronto's most exciting upcoming acts. Their live shows carry a sincerity and talent level that truly leave me inspired and excited for their future" – Ellian Bell, Artist Manager at Fullcc Music Group

"Kingston loves this band... Their shared passion and genuine enthusiasm for music that radiates through their live performance makes me think that maybe it is true these brothers were destined to be a band after all." - Emma Koza, Music Writer and Videographer, The Vault, Kingston

"The Pick Brothers Band is proof that you can still sound original in this day and age with traditional instruments... Pink Lemonade brings you original music that demands any music fan’s attention. It is highly recommended." - Matt Jensen, Music Writer, The Equal Ground

“Fresh, energetic and good. The Pick Brothers are one of the few musical acts I’ve heard in a while that keep my attention throughout their whole record, and are doing something unique while being true to themselves.” - Mike McKyes, Producer, Engineer, The Grove Productions

” The Pick Brothers are one of these more than good bands. The brothers have got brains: their style is well crafted, their musicianship well practiced. The boys have got soul: their lyrics are sensitive, their peformance impassioned. The brethren know how to fuckin party - riotous crowds welcome them as good company. But, most of all, Casey, Gabe and Jeremiah are unforgettably endearing; their sound is all too inviting, their tones all too toasty, and their heart all too genuine.” – Nick Yim, Promoter, Blog Editor at Wavo.me

"Fell in love with The Pick Brothers on first listen in the Summer of 2012. They are a constant reminder as to why I love playing music." -Dan Dwoskin, The Honeyrunners

”The Pick Brothers Band is the sort of group that would probably have had a song in an iPod commercial, in that bygone era.” – Daniel Korn, Music Writer, Rottenfolk Records

“The Pick Brothers put on a killer show. They rock like enemies but they blend like brothers.” – Tim Abraham, Producer, Composer

“If you are a connoisseur who dabbles in all musical corners of our planet, you’ll love Pink Lemonade. Both on the record and live, The Pick Brothers always keep me on my toes, listening and pleasantly surprised at every corner. Don’t miss out on these guys. You’ll be missing out on a very precious gem in the heart of the Toronto music scene. Not only can they make a record, but they can deliver live better than many bands who are a kajillion times more famous. [Go] to their insanely entertaining shows.” – Liam McArdle, Music Writer, Musician (The Capitol Beat)

“ Pink Lemonade is straight up rock and roll so it’s hard for anyone not to like. Born Ruffians fans will be especially pleased. Sliding riffs, whack a mole drumming, and mumbling vocals like Alt J or Built To Spill, make The Pick Brothers Band equally appropriate for celebrating and forgetting. Pink Lemonade is a patio record that won’t go out of style in the winter.” – Adam Schwartz, Music Writer, Last Frame Pictures

“The pick brothers play music in the spirit of rock and roll that comes from a place that is genuine to themselves in every way.” – Chris Adriaanse, Musician, Toronto

“[The Pick Brothers] bring serious enthusiasm and playful banter to the stage.” – Amber Waves, Music Writer - Various

Originally from Toronto, The Pick Brothers Band lit up the stage in their Montreal debut Sunday at le Cagibi alongside Juno-winner Charlotte Cornfield and the Montreal Indie act, The Wilderlings.
The ambience at Cagibi was cool and laid-back, a bohemian café bathed in lamplight with a stage and lounge in the back room. At the height of winter in Montreal, this is the perfect place for an acoustic performance.
The band consists of three brothers, Gabriel Pick, 16, Casey Pick, 19 and Jeremiah Pick, 22. Raised on music, the brothers sing and play several instruments, easily shifting roles during performances. For Casey Pick, switching between guitar and bass is as easy as changing TV channels.
The Pick Brothers performance consisted of two 30–minute acoustic sets with Gabriel and Jeremiah alternating lead vocals and guitar, and Casey on bass and back-up vocals. Dual acoustic guitars and multiple vocalists make for an energetic sound that hits you somewhere between the fast paced roots/ska sound of Dispatch and the folksy soulful spirit of Mumford & Sons.
Jeremiah’s measured rhythmic solos, and the deep lilting emotion behind his lyrics gives their sound depth, while Casey’s fresh funky bass lines keep your attention rapt.
Sixteen-year-old Gabriel, taking centre stage, bore a striking physical resemblance to Justin Bieber with both vocal and lyrical prowess to match. The difference is that he also knows how to rip it up on guitar.
The performance was strong, but leaves you wondering what they can do with their instruments plugged in and percussion accompaniment. If they can kill an electric show the way they did their acoustic sets at le Cagibi, this young band might have the potential to attain explosive success. For an acoustic show at least, this band is a must-see. - The Main, MTL