So you need to ask yourself, do you cry or do you smile. It is a hard but fair question -- we have asked the same question of ourselves when we play A Brother. The reason for tears is obvious. Lachlan Denton's brother Zach -- younger sibling, friend, bandmate, and talented musician involved in several bands -- suddenly died last year. This wasn't one of these rock star flame out deaths, but rather, if we understand correctly, a medical condition involving a cranial cyst (it hits home, our main writer has a cranial cyst). Zach died, his musical contributions ceased, and Lachlan lost a brother.
But the case for smiling is strong. Lachlan Denton & Studio Magic, a collaborative effort between Lachlan and friends and other bandmates of the brothers, has produced an album of remarkable quality. Consisting of nine original compositions and a closing cover of "Spat Out" from Zach's Hobby Farm project, A Brother presents a poignant and at times heartbreaking remembrance of Zach Denton, wrapped up in some of the most beautiful songs you will hear this year. Nicely balanced between soft, reflective tunes and the sort of breezy up-tempo numbers we recall from The Ocean Party, it is a terrific listen every time through. There is sadness and love, and we can't think of a finer tribute to Zach.
Life is complicated, and the best music reflects the complications and conflicts, the memories and losses. So do we cry, or do we smile? Our choice thanks to A Brother: We smile through the tears
In addition to Lachlan, Studio Magic are Ambrin Hasnain, Dainis Lacey, Liam Halliwell, Roe Kean, Anila Hasnain. A Brother is out now via Osborne Again Music, Spunk Records and Bobo Intregal.
Bandcamp for A Brother
Label page for LP
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