Brothers & Sisters

(Calla Lily)

Brothers & Sisters’ local debut isn’t perfect: the harmonies aren’t always in key, the vocals sound raw at times, and guitars go in and out of tune. That’s what makes it a true repeat listen. Those imperfections grow on you, like opener “New Life,” which trots along under keys, tambourine, and Will Courtney’s dusty West Coast drawl. “One Night” sounds like a Carly Simon/James Taylor jam with more twang and less sexual tension: “Come on baby, gimme one night. I know it’s crazy but it just feels so right.” The pedal steeliness of “Los Angeles” turns anthemic as the whole family gets on the wagon and screams “L.A.!” over a burning guitar solo. The plaintive “Without You” expands like the spawn of the Mamas and the Papas, riding a gentle wave of guitar pitter-patter into a wall of vocals featuring sisters Marie Butcher and Lily Courtney, whose harmonies are especially striking. “Lost and Found” screams Beach Boys, with its Wilson-esque chorus, and “Old Age” cranks like Rust Never Sleeps era-Neil. There’s no kitsch here, only charm.

***

This article appears in February 3 • 2006.

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