When I was sent Old Time Speaker by Bronze Radio Return, I’ll be honest, I had never heard of the band before. I had no idea what to expect from Chris Henderson (lead vocals, guitar), Patrick Fetkowitz (lead guitar), Matt Warner (keys, background vocals), Rob Griffith (drums, background vocals), Bob Tanen (bass, background vocals) and Craig Struble (harmonica) when I opened my iTunes and turned up my speakers one fateful afternoon.
But from second one, I was impressed. Henderson’s voice was like none I had never heard before. Though it bares similarities to some folk artists, the sound that reverberates off those vocal cords still has a quality all its own. And the music—well the music literally knocked me off my feet (excuse the Michael Jackson reference, may he rest in peace). In a day and age where let’s face it folks, a lot of music sounds oddly similar to the four songs that played it before it on the radio, music that truly stands out can be an extreme rarity.
The album starts out with “Lo-Fi,” an extremely contagious acoustic guitar/tambourine-based song that is pop, alternative, and folk all at the same time. Next, follows “Digital Love” which was interestingly made to sound as if the music was coming out of none other than the speakers of a Lo-Fi stereo. That effect adds a really nice classic touch to a song that has a strong reggae vibe to it. The harmonies that this band has on the majority of the record, rival that of a church choir but instead are done in such a cool, folksy kind of way, they completely stand apart.
Old Time Speaker is not just a rarity, however. It’s good. Darn good. It has a perfect mix of songs to get you up on your feet, songs that you’ll find yourself singing in the shower, car and at work for the next week, mellow songs you could sit out in the backyard and listen to with your friends whilst a cool beverage makes its way down your throat, and songs that will make you want to purchase your very own acoustic guitar.
If you’re looking for unique and if you’re looking for quality, look no further than Bronze Radio Return.
