Vax'O - On A Bramble Bush
Blues, Funky, Fusion
Viadana, Italy
Overall Impression: "On a bramble bush" is an exciting concoction of acoustic-based rock, funk-flavored flourishes, and folk-inspired traits that keep listeners firmly on their toes with its exciting and unexpected musical twists and turns that ensure listeners are kept firmly engrossed from start to finish. Vax'O proudly displays a broad range of influences in the songwriting whilst still managing to adopt a unique sense of musical identity, it's always fun to experience artists that don't adhere to any one particular style or genre, instead favoring to explore a number of diverse sonic possibilities in order to craft a more interesting and inspired palette of contrasting sounds and ideas.
Strongest Point(s): As aforementioned, "On a Bramble Bush" incorporates a number of styles that make for a continually interesting listening experience. Whilst the track is firmly rooted in the acoustic-based rock style that is synonymous with the sound of bands such as The Marshall Tucker Band and The Allman Brothers, there are some brilliant genre additions sprinkled throughout. The fantastic lead guitar solo that opens the track for instance is reminiscent of the atmosphere-inducing style of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour whilst also managing to encompass a bluesier approach of such players like B.B King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The main acoustic rhythm guitar does a marvelous job of balancing its more folk-inspired harmonic and rhythmic elements with a brilliantly placed nod to funk, courtesy of the undeniably cool-sounding chromatic movement between the C#9 and D9 chords. The jazz flavor provided by the brass is also another inspired addition that again helps to keep things feeling fresh as well as shroud the track in a sense of exciting spontaneity. Lyrically, there's a definite down-to-earth quality in their writing that feels both relatable and honest in their expression, it's a charming yet contemplative throwback to one's youth and the excitement of experiencing your first love, an ode to a simpler time when the world seemed to make more sense. "On a bramble bush" combines an exciting arrangement with both great performances and a keen eye for melody.
Target Audience Appeal: This is a strong acoustic rock track with some hearty dashes of folk and funk thrown in for good measure, resulting in a track that a broad range of music lovers can enjoy.
Artist target suggestions: The Marshall Tucker Band, R.E.M, James Taylor, Donovan, Van Morrison, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, Loggins & Messina, David Gilmour, Billy Joel, Joe Walsh, The Allmans Brother Band
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.