The Brazos River runs from its confluence in the middle of Texas, winding east past Dallas, then turns south, cutting through Waco before exiting into the Gulf of Mexico. It was named by Spanish explorers Rio de los Brazos de Dios – which, translated literally, means River of the Arms of God – because it contained the first fresh water they had found for drinking.
The band that takes their moniker from the aforementioned river actually hails from Austin – which is not situated on the Brazos River at all. But the band’s music meanders, picks up steam, widens as it moves along, and feels like what I’d imagine traversing the length of the river would be circa the turn of the 20th century. Brazos’ MySpace page describes their sound more aptly than I could:
“a couple of hundred years ago i whas born and i roamed around, i saw verious (sic) countries achieve independence, and i walked the earth happily. then about 100 years ago i tripped on a river and fell face first into a bed of mountains, and the mountains were like an old familiar bosom and i fell asleep till a few years ago then i woke up and everything was different so i decided to write some songs about what i could remember”
And that’s exactly what the songs sound like – familiar, comfortable, like you’ve known them all along. Brazos’ music is what your soul sings.
The band’s new LP – Phosphorescent Blues – is set to be released physically on November 10 (which you can order here), and they’re busy touring with fellow Austin product (and Tympanogram favorite) White Denim. Catch them if they’re around your area.
Brazos – Day Glo (mp3) from Phosphorescent Blues
Brazos – My Buddy (mp3) from Phosphorescent Blues
