Beatific Visions single · 24 August 07
Manchester Music Single Of The Week: After the wonder of “Hold Me In The River”, Brakes just go on from strength. This latest single, the title track from their upcoming winter released album is just as sharp. Brakes pour on the wooziness though, as the melodies dribble from a welcome surfeit of pleasing harmonies which have that gnarled, quirky sense of delivery. There’s definitely an emerging American influence eking its way out of Brakes’ new material (the result no doubt of some measured U.S. success) For now “Beatific Visions” is just the second track from what appears to be a sensational long player. MMMM
lastbroadcast.co.uk This is just such a beautiful track and perfect for the height of our burgeoning Indian summer. If I ever had to think of how a Rough Trade summer record would hear, I’m sure I would have ended up with something similar to this. With a strong instrumental middle section with strings and an almost Mogwai-esque sense of menace and beauty working simultaneously, ‘Beatific Visions’ is completed by a beautiful and slightly wonky chorus in the vein of Apples In Stereo. Some may dismiss it as being too similar to The Thrills, but it transcends the dullness and corporate blandness of their ilk for something truly glorious. Hallelujah!
highvoltage.org.uk Brakes have apparently decided that their previous two singles from the critically acclaimed album of 2006 were too misery-themed, being as they were about the death of god (‘Cease and Desist’) and the loss of liberty (‘Hold Me in the River’). Enter title-track ‘Beatific Visions’ and whilst only marginally less death-themed, it certainly does a nice job of wrapping up the non-appearance of the English summer.
It’s so laidback it only just falls the right side of listless, but any doubts are soon shimmied out of existence with that now familiar ear for the sweetest of melodies. For anyone who thought that The Shins were the last band left doing this kind of effortless grown-up pop music, this mix of ‘Coffee and TV’ and anything Weezer is a little hidden treat.
It’d be nice to think that this is the song that finally lays to rest the ‘British Sea Power side-project’ tag, the only possible explanation for their continued status as ‘underdogs’.
Beatific Visions single review · 21 August 07
musicomh.com If you’ve not yet heard the frankly rather marvelous Beatific Visions album from Brakes, then this release of the title song should point you firmly in its direction.
It’s a carefree slice of slightly pastoral pop, and singer Eamon Hamilton gives it a nicely wistful air through the uplifting chorus, having traversed the stop-start beat of the verse.
Beatific Visions presents the sound of a band relaxing almost in their own front room, absently piecing together a tender and subtly gorgeous song. To hear it in full context the album is advised, however – this is just a snapshot of Brakes’ capabilities.
Top Rated (record of the week) · 20 August 07
Brakes are playing live into Edith Bowman’s show this Friday from Reading Festival.
Listen in and tell her how great it sounds!! (show starts at 1pm)
Edith Bowman Click the link to vote for the single (scroll down)
This weeks top rated is the new single from Brakes called Beatific Visions and it’s the title track from their current album. It’s so hard to describe this band but if you can then check them out live, you will be encapsulated by their magic rhymic genius and outlook on the world. Amazing musicians who came together for their love of music and one band isn’t enough for some of them. Just a beautiful summery song that takes influences from a lot of things that might seem familiar to you. Check out the album but more so, please go and see them live. Even just for Dick Cheney!!! They’re playing Reading / Leeds this weekend! Tonight (Monday) they play London Ginglik (a revamped public toilet in Shepherd’s Bush) and tomorrow night (Tuesday) they’re playing at Water Rats. Enjoy it!
Brakes in The Sun · 20 August 07
The Sun reviews Beatific Visions single.
Keeping their chunky guitar sound but combining it with a lilting melody. Exceptional. 4.5
Brakes in the Mirror · 17 August 07
The Mirror reviews Beatific Visions single: 4/5
Ahh, pop music like Mama used to make or just like the doctor ordered, straight from a sonic nirvana. Take it once in the morning and the world will seem a lighter and brighter place to be. Possibly because they began as a holiday band for members of British Sea Power and The Electric Soft Parade, Brakes have not been given their due respect. But the title track of their second album, with its beautifully sweetened honey vocals, West Coast groove and sharp, slamming but caressable guitar, is a special treat.
Single reviews · 12 August 07
Beatific Visions is released on 20th August with b-side Witchin Hour
Sounds XP The UK South Coast becomes the US West Coast when Brakes let loose this piece of sunny, hippy-pop wonderment. It’s what the Magic Numbers might sound like if they had less of a heavy hand with the saccharine. Uplifting and jangly, it’s a lovely summer tune, now that the sun’s finally here.
Subba Cultcha There’s the slack jawed coolness of The Breeders being spliced to the sun-drenched power pop glories of the Posies, and I tell you what, I love it…
Beatific Visions Video · 10 August 07
angryape.com The video for the new Brakes single Beatific Visions is pretty damn funny, especially compared to the usual boring footage we have to scan through for most band’s promos. The film sees a woman walking through a park attracting every guy that she passes, who then begin to fight over her. Only there’s a nice twist at the end which makes the whole thing worthwhile, as well as scenes of the living dead for the zombie movie fans amongst us. We just have to ask, why can’t more music videos be this enjoyable?