Album Review: Brett Wiscons, “33”
Indiana-based singer/songwriter Brett Wiscons already had quite a resume before embarking on a solo career. He garnered a great deal of attention performing with Great Scott! and The Michaels.
In 2010, he released his first solo LP, “Close My Eyes.” For the follow-up, the upcoming EP, “33,” Wiscons recruited Hootie & the Blowfish guitarist, Mark Bryan, to produce.
The Kickstarter-funded record turned out pretty well. Each of the five songs has a distinct tone, and the lyrics are laced with references to the Hoosier state.
“Indiana Summer” has all the trademarks of a Hootie & the Blowfish classic. Vocals are front and center, a consonant guitar melody pushes the song along until the big, sing-a-long chorus unfolds.
The album’s upbeat rocker, “Sarazona,” is filled with signposts from Wiscons’ years on the road, bluesy guitar riffs and another big chorus. “Broad Ripple” is a heartfelt ode to a night out that anybody could appreciate.
The record’s standout track is “Sophia’s Winery,” a Dixieland Jazz-inspired number with a funky horn section, soulful organ and swinging drums. The lyrics are based on a short story Wiscons wrote about an Italian winemaker and his wife, Sophia.
Wiscons is heavily rooted in the pop-rock sound of the 90s. Fans of Hootie & the Blowfish, Counting Crows or Edwin McCain are sure to enjoy this.
“33” is out on March 3 from Wiscons’ own MAD Diamond Entertainment. He’ll be hitting the road in support of the new record. Wiscons has a few TV appearance scheduled, dates in several states and a gig lined up at the Bluebird in Nashville, Tenn.
To sample some of the tracks on “33,” visit brettwiscons.com.