Brothers Osborne - Pawn Shop

Brothers Osborne
Pawn Shop
2016
Spotify

People who call themselves fans of country music either unapologetically love the current state of it or long for something different more classically country. Brothers Osborne seem to be the bridge that unites those two factions. They have massive pop appeal and a great aesthetic but still manage to hold on to country roots without pandering to the truck loving Bud guzzling masses. First and foremost these brothers can fucking play. The almost three minute guitar solo on "Stay A Little Longer" is only one piece of a group that blends all the best elements of Americana and Country into one incredible sound. You'll hear elements of stadium Country in there but that only makes it all the more accessible. "Alt-Country" is not a new idea and others like The Drive-By Truckers and Kacey Musgraves have blazed the trail but Brothers Osborne seem to be honing it to a new precise level in terms of pop. Most of the tracks on Pawn Shop are just a good time with beats you can dance to and choruses made for singing and tapping along. However what sets them apart is their crystal clear imagery. From describing the "drunk" mailbox to the holes in the screen door you can perfectly see the world where these songs were written. "Greener Pastures" further solidifies their outsider status because believe me those pastures they are talking about are not farmland and the smoke is not from a chimney.

What really stands out on the record however is it's production. Their sound has a vinyl warmth mixed with super crisp instrumentation. The record ends up surrounding you with sound but never overwhelming you, it is something quite incredible. I don't think without the help of producer Jay Joyce this album would sound anywhere near how it does. The fact that this is a debut record is also something to behold. Brothers Osborne's confidence is so strong that even the seemingly weaker tracks take on a life all of their own. It does take some balls to make a song like "Heart Shaped Locket" if you are trying to get across the idea that you are a hard working Nashville band, but they did it. In other interviews singer T.J. Osborne has claimed that the alt-country coming out today is on par with grunge and the backlash against hair metal and while Brothers Osborne are no Nirvana their music still hits that same cord almost ad if you are peering in on something new and taboo. Pawn Shop is a great introduction to a band who seem to be here for the long run. So sit back, raise a drink and celebrate the coronation of the newest alt-country band trying to take over the world.

8.2 out of 10