Search - Bran Van 3000 :: Rose

So nice to know they're still kickin'!

D. Genovese | San Diego, CA | 01/06/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've always admired Bran Van 3000 for their extremely diverse and varied sound. One really can't classify this group based on any of their releases because they're all over the place with their sound---from straight-up rock, pop, hip-hop, house, techno, rave, simple vocal + acoustic, rap, disco, reggae, ragga, breakbeat, even fringed with some Latin rhythyms?!? So as they run the gamut, they never fail to surprise and dazzle. It's so reassuring that they are back with a 3rd album after a 6 year or so wait... the wonderfully wacky LARGE collective (there are over 30 people credited as being the "MC's" and "Players" on this work!) that they are. The first song, "Call Me (I'll Be Around Medley)," although mellow overall, is the hookiest song on the CD, thanks to an appealing sample of the Spinners' old tune. The CD then drifts into a taste of reggae with "House Lights," (further explored later in "Sea of Life") and by the time you are greeted by the Spanish guitar sound that begins the captivating "Feline Fantasy," you know you are in for the expected Bran Van album JOURNEY. And like their last CD, Discosis, this one is also peppered with quirky short musical interludes between the longer songs to bridge the gap into the "land" of the next song--and many strange "lands" there are to explore on this one.



Although their first joyful CD of 10(!) years ago, Glee, still remains my personal fave overall, I have a feeling that this one will grow on me too. I especially love the tracks where the gals are allowed to vocally shine, such as on the rhythmic track, "Forever," where you can truly hear the deeply soulful stylings of Stephane Moraille or on certain verses of "I Won't Lie Anymore" plantively and beautifully sung by Jayne Hill. I also enjoy the occasional French rapping and speaking that occurs throughout the album, reminding you that they are indeed from Canada. This is especially evident on "Mon Real." "Sex, Love & Peace," the longest track on the CD, is a pretty epic opus. However, my personal favorite is the last track--which, in a way, is hidden because it is not disclosed on the track listing on the packaging. Titled "Sade," it seems to be a loving, devotional tribute to the singer of the same name--a dreamy, ambient tune that incorporates the melody and slight singing from her "Kiss of Life" song (found on her Love Deluxe CD). Obviously they are fans of hers and this is a sweet little pink valentine on their part. OR shall I instead say "rose"... with the little accent over the "e" that I am unable to type in this format, but that is French for "pink." And the prevailing color of the CD's packaging and CD itself (as it is in the case of all the previous BV3 releases) is definitely PINK! All of these combined qualities remind you that you are definitely experiencing something totally different and non-typical... which is what I love most about this merry band. Here's the to the hope that James "Bran Man" Di Salvio can keep his rag-tag group together and keep cranking these gems out. I don't even mind the extreme wait between releases!



By the way, if you are craving more sound similar to BV3's, may I wholeheartedly recommend You Can't Stop the Bum Rush by fellow Canadian group, Len, from around the same time that Glee was released. Though this CD may contain the overplayed radio hit, "Steal My Sunshine," I always thought that the rest of this album was even worthier as whole and they have a similar, fun, lighthearted, and explorative feel as Bran Van. Enjoy!!!"