A promising roots-rock five-piece from Portland, Oregon, Broken At The Break Of Day is their second mini-album in three months, a seven-track collection of catchy melodies and hooks that kicks off with the strummed shuffling ‘Dawn’ with its lead vocals traded between guitarists Jay Cobb Anderson and Mimi Naja with pianist Kellen Asebroek on back-ups while drummer Tyler Thompson and bassist Jeff Leonard lay down the rhythm.’Where Can I Turn’ puts the vocal spotlight on Asebroek while Naja swaps to mandolin for a late 70s summery laid back Laurel Canyon groove, shifting to him taking lead for the soulful acoustic balladry of ‘Counting The Days’.
For some reason, Anderson on nasally lead, ‘For You’ reminds me of the late 60s solo Sonny records, even with its cod-Spector feel before, opening with squally feedback, they hit a funky 70s psychedelic pop streak on ‘Do What You Want’ with its treated vocals, choppy percussion and freaky ‘stunt’ guitar.
From here it feels like a natural progression into the Queen meets Sgt Pepper flavours of the fairground swaying ‘Nothing More Than Spinning’, rounding it off with the soft shoe campfire shuffle full band composition ‘At The End Of The Day’ with its three part harmonies and both Leonard and Thompson on brooms.
They released the equally musically eclectic after hours vibe companion seven-track album Wild As The Night last year, of which the mandolin-led ‘Manzanita Moonlight’ is a particular joy, with both released together this month on vinyl. Let them complete you.
Mike Davies
Artists’ website: www.fruitionband.com
‘Dawn’ – official video:
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