By: Elizabeth LintonenA white-button up, camo pants, loafers, and an exhilarating energy, one thing about frontman Joseph Settine is that he really loves his fans. Under simple, technicolor lighting, genuine joy radiates from the band, through song after song about the places they’ve been, the places they’re going, and the people in both.
Nashville-based indie-folk band, ‘The Brook and The Bluff,’ took to Turner Hall on Wednesday night with a breathtaking display of musicianship. The band’s name is a nod to the landscape of Birmingham, Alabama, where the band grew up, and perfectly represnets the nostalgic, reminiscent nature of their songs. The difference between their live performance and the studio albums is a testament to their skill. Front-row at ‘The Brook and The Bluff’ is an otherworldly experience, wrapped up in heartfelt lyricism, groovy baselines, and energy that is deeply fun.
The show started at 9 p.m. with the song ‘Tangerine,’ off their 2023 album, Bluebeard. The folk feeling is evident, and translates more strongly in their life performance. On their recorded versions, the band seems indie, but live, they defy genre, ranging from elements of nostalgic western to fusion jazz to rock. Guitarist Alec Bolton and bassist Fred Lankford can both sing, and in addition to providing high and low harmony to Settine’s solid tenor, were both featured in a variety of impressive rock guitar and bass solos.
The emotional bandwidth of the music is varied and intense. Tears were shed over the beauty of ‘Prove Me Wrong’ and its simple, stunning harmony, and then immediately wiped away to get into the back half the setlist, with songs of their 2021 album ‘Yard Scale,’ such as ‘Petals on the Floor.’ Their song ‘Knock’ featured guitar and vocals from drummer ‘John Canada’ and was refreshing, airy, and otherworldly. The set ended strong, with an encore consisting of ‘Interlude’ and ‘Rush’ off the 2018 self-titled album, ‘The Brook & The Bluff,’ with its precise vocal riffs, rock organ feel, and satisfyingly good guitar solo.
A stand-out aspect of the show is the raw talent in every musician. Keyboardist Kevin Canada was featured in a number of deliciously wistful piano solos and interludes. The vocals are clean and crisp, and expertly mixed. Each band member has an expansive range, which makes harmonizing seem easy and soothing. The whole concept of the band is a nod to a return to home, to nostalgia and longing in a new way.
Next time ‘The Brook & The Bluff’ makes their way to Milwaukee, expect a night intimate concert packed full of electric energy and authenticism. It’s a worthwhile show, the kind of music that celebrates the realness of living and steps outside the bounds of indie music for a full, encapsulating experience.