Brother Bicker Band is composed of seven band members and mates from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, aiming to capture nostalgia and memory in every song they create. With 12 tracks and 2 covers, this band brings a fresh and unique blend of “roots” rock genre, which they describe as “maple whiskey rock n roll,” sweet and fiery. With Taylor Miles on drums, Jim Duncan on bass, Jeremy Hrdlicka on vocals and acoustic guitar, Tom Mogan on guitar and vocals, Ben Ellard on keys and newcomers, Jennele Coulson and Claire Wilkes on vocals, they unify into a euphony that feels like both a warm blanket and cold September breeze.
“Nashville Sound” breathes nostalgia to life, a lovely ode to the town and American beauty. The song begins with gentle picking that leads to twangy vocals and sentimentality. Written after the band took a trip to Nashville, each line describes the beauty of the town from the cityscapes and iconic locations such as the Bluebird cafe. Images of electrifying cityscapes and Broadway to the churches, alleyways, and bars bring the town to life as though we are strolling in their shoes. It’s emotional, nostalgic, and a bit melancholic with the lines “This old town would just as soon forget my name” asking “What’s it worth to you?” With them having to depart, the town’s life moves on, and would soon forget them, but it would live in the band’s memories forever with this song. This is a heartwarming start to the album and sets the tone for what comes next in this sweet country rock n’ roll.
“I Just Might” is a twangy transition from the slower chords in “Nashville Sound.” With an upbeat sound and faster tempo, steel guitars chime in with drums and swing into the classic country rock that is both catchy and laid back. There is rebellion in the lyrics, depicting two lovers who desperately want to leave the toxic space but can’t, from a “big broken heart” to a “busted windshield” it’s evident these two aren’t good for each other. There is clever storytelling and depth in this track on complicated emotions in a relationship that many can relate to, from wanting to leave yet another part wants to stay: “If you said that you loved me, you were just being nice/ If you asked me to stay, baby I just might.” It’ll probably be a while before either of them let go, but at least we get a sweet country cruise while the drama unfolds. “No Straight Lines” kicks with a dirty guitar and funky bass. The keyboard deserves a standing ovation in adding that extra funk with drums that will have country and rock fans tapping their toes. The coarse vocals added with sharp harmonies make this track a fun one.
The title track “Another Kind of Train” feels like an end credit song to a movie in the aftermath of redemption. Returning to a slower tempo and sublime melody, it is an emotional piece about a character leaving behind their troubled past for a fresh start. The repetitive line with the “whistle” serves as a figurative authority and warning of what’s to come if she dwells and doesn’t move on. The track covers a hidden message of ceasing self-sabotage: “Stop burning yourself with the same old flame/ It’s not how it hurts you but how it hurts your good name.” The more you ruin your reputation, the harder it is to gain a second chance, therefore the girl must leave “The dirty city” and catch “Another kind of train.” Track five, “Say What You Want to Say” is a tender ballad that’s relaxed and family oriented. The heartfelt melody and lyrics reflect grief and the presence of a family member who has passed. The vocal-line shines in this song, showcases their abilities to create an evocative sound with strength.
“Stone” is a darker piece, beginning with a deep solemn piano and haunted humming chorus beneath Hrdlicka’s aching gritty vocals. Hrdlicka’s crying voice pierces through your heart like an arrow, striking your heart and soul. It’s a fantastic cover of Whiskey Myer’s ‘Stone’ featured in Yellowstone. The man in the story begs for mercy in his trials of life, barely getting by with his bottle, in desperate need of redemption. The band’s powerful vocal dynamics and instrumentation elevate this emotional classic that creates a surreal experience. For cowboys that are manly enough will surely cry comfortably for this one.
“Storm Chaser” livens things up after the rain, an overall high joy ride. The upbeat groove is carried by Hrdlicka’s excitement in falling in love and daringness to take on the storms of a relationship. The mellow guitar solo leading into the bridge creates a scene with a lone man standing under ominous dark clouds, but then the chorus jumps and in place of a hazardous downpour, he is showered with warm drops and clearer skies. The obstacle has passed and all that’s left is to rejoice. “Nothing at All” follows with a funky guitar and layered vocals. It’s a classic Americana rock song focused on honesty and reflection on love and loss. The heartbreaking lyrics are easy to miss when the beat is addictingly upbeat: “I wished that I had wished you luck but I’m not good enough/ All those times I tried/ They’ve got to be worth something.”
“The Breakup Song” unlike its predecessor is upfront with its meaning as suggested in the title and beat. The band spins their own maple stamp on the Greg Kihn Band’s 80s classic “The Break Up Song,” weaving a deeper upbeat blend with modern instrumentals and electric sound. The catchy anthemic tune is enjoyable as it’s edgy and gritty. The band leans further into the rock genre with this one, showcasing a wicked, grungy guitar solo, menacing bassline and grittier vocals. The song reflects the mood of a fresh breakup as suggested with “We had broken up for good just an hour before” and “We been living together for a million years. . . But now it feels so strange out in the atmosphere.” The complicated nature of relationships is prevalent in this album, but the newly anthemic sound poses a challenge: sit around and mope or go out into the world to rediscover yourself?
“Take My Gun” begins ominously, its beat laced with slow venom. Jennele and Claire take the reins with Hrdlicka in the harmony, a pleasant and fitting contrast to their vocal structure. It’s an emotional ballad on redemption, a “brand new start,” the lyricism colorful and expressive: “But I never thought I’d have to reminisce/ About the taste of his lips/ Like a ghostly kiss.” The ghostly kiss points to a terrible crime the person committed on duty, the plead to “take my badge take my gun/ I know the things I’ve done” suggest a morale shift after lives were taken in the name of justice but could also point to a different mindset the person held until a specific mistake that changed it all. It’s a vulnerable piece, emitting struggle and desperation, and a looming sense of dread. “Let Me Down”, opposed to its title, is high-spirited and stones-y as the description states on their website. Through screeching electrics and relentless beat, the struggle between holding on and letting go are repeated in “Let me go but don’t you let me down,” appeals to love, life, risk, and consequences. Party hard, but keep in mind the hangover that’ll follow.
Lastly, “Bottles” closes the album with beautiful guitar strumming and nostalgic melodies. The slow tempo followed by powerful vocals paint enticing symbolism and imagery of a shattered love. “The bottle is broken/ It will not hold wine” is a great line that perfectly shows how their relationship is done and the wine/memories and the good times have spilled. Still, they reminiscence and seasons pass from warmer months spent together, to reaching winter alone. The bottle also serves as a metaphor for trapped feelings and hopes that never came true, and in frustration “she smashes them all,” setting them free. A perfect slow-burn to conclude this reflective album.
Another Kind of Train was a sensational listen, from the high-spirited sing-a-longs to the nostalgic mood, it’s done it all. It takes listeners through an experience of life’s darkest moments but also its most rewarding, from sight-seeing a wonderful city to falling in love, heartbreak and owning up to mistakes, Brother Bicker Band has successfully captured their goal of “trying to recapture that memory, that feeling, that love, that loss and that amazing moment in time with every song.” They’ve done exactly that, making this album a sweet listen.
Amelia Suon
