Album Details

• Artist: Brian Lee
• Album: Moth
• Label: Independent
• Year of Release: 2010
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: paperdollface on 2010-07-07

The first full-length release from Seattle based singer/songwriter Brian Lee, Moth, flies onto the scene with a sentimental collection of songs, showcasing an interesting assortment of styles and influences.

The album starts off with the sweet (but lack-luster in terms of opening songs) "Love To Me," while thoughtful and warm, doesn't assist in setting a tone of excitement for the album. A beautiful, slow melody complete with intermittent nature sounds, probably would have been better served as a lulling close to the second-half of the album.

Moth switches gear with the ready-for-the-airwaves track, "Wrapped Up in Books." This one ties up catchy hooks, crisp vocals and a super- snappy melody into a picture perfect package that's up for the pleasing. Backing vocalist Grace Laxson adds a complimentary air of bubble-gum pop, without sweetening the sound to the extent of dental decay. Well-placed percussion and a dash of tambourine help keep the progression steady and upbeat.

It's hard to put a finger on at first, but around the album's halfway mark, it starts to become clear that each song contains an underlying alt-country influence on some level. Never fully committing to being either a ballad or a pop-rock song, "21 Again" is unique in structure and yet strangely familiar, with a heavy acoustic guitar, slight twang and balanced tempo, almost sounding like a song that could have once been produced by The Eagles.        

The almost-title track, "Moths," tells the story of a journey, "I want to fly away...No more hiding in the dark I told myself, Somehow we'll fly together into the light," hinting that Lee's emotionally charged lyrics are most likely auto-biographical.  Ending track "I Want You" mirrors the pop melody structure witnessed in "Wrapped Up in Books," making for a light and airy way of drawing the album to a close.

Even though it's difficult to pinpoint what category to file this album under, overall it has an easy, accessible quality that has capability to generate mass appeal. One thing that is undeniable, Lee's smooth and creamy vocals paired with bewitching lyrics, creative songwriting and excellent production make this album a must-listen.

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