Review Summary: Brume makes do on their potential and then some with Marten
Five years after the release of their last album, 2019’s Rabbits, Brume’s third installment sees their return with some considerable upgrades. Their expansion from trio to quartet with the recruitment of Giant Squid/Grayceon cellist Jackie Perez Gratz as a full member is a particularly notable upgrade, giving their brand of psych-doom an even more effective atmosphere. The other members have also stepped up considerably with the vocals having more interplay than before and the dynamics getting more weight behind them.
This is also reflected in how the songs are structured as the individual lengths are trimmed down to accommodate a larger number of compositions. While this suggests a move toward greater accessibility, it plays out more like a suite of sorts with the different tracks flowing to form the greater whole. The ritualistic mood at hand also does a lot to emphasize this ebb and flow with many of the tracks having a mantric air.
The opening “Jimmy” runs the risk of playing the album’s full hand too early by showing the band’s broad dynamics, but also sets the stage nicely between the bookending cello-driven calm and interspersed heavy chords. “New Sadder You” follows it up with back and forth vocals that drive the momentum and an unnerving tinge that gradually creeps in until it’s given the dark spotlight on “Faux Savior” and “How Rude.” I also like “Otto’s Song” and “Heed Me” for their focuses on more subdued textures; the former’s lullaby vibes make me wonder if it should’ve been the closer but “The Yearn” is a swell comedown in its own right with a somber slant to its lulling fuzz.
Brume has always been a fairly intriguing band and Marten sees them make do on their potential and then some. Their previous releases set up a strong heavy psych foundation that sees even greater purpose here courtesy of the broader musicianship and reframed songwriting. I must admit there are times where the songs can run together but it also makes for an exceedingly consistent coming together. Fans of groups like Messa, MWWB, and the dearly departed SubRosa are especially encouraged to check this one out.
