Words By: Garrett Kearns

Canadian duo BROS have just released their sophomore album Vol. 2 — a thirteen track variety that varies wildly from psychedelic jazz instrumentals to 60s influenced pop and soul. Effectively splitting the record in half, the first six songs are traditional in their approach. Digging into our ears with pop hooks taken straight from 60s and 70s R&B, keyboards, horns, and drums take center stage, drive the undeniably catchy tunes. The second half is experimental, bringing in Latin rhythms, White Album era Beatles, and even a sitar. The band bounces from genre to genre so suddenly that the experience could have been disorienting, but instead the combination of styles is completely engrossing.

The opening song “It’s Killing Me” signals the throwback style of the album. Falsetto vocals and a string arrangement with multiple keyboards and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it solo harken to 70s pop stalwarts like Electric Light Orchestra and Wings. The strangely titled “Garbanzo Man” is a dose of sunshine with some bongos thrown in the mix. It’s a song full of nostalgia capable of putting a bounce in anyone’s step. “It Won’t Be Long” slows things down with a soul vibe that gives room for some introspection. “Never Gonna Stop” brings the groove with hard disco funk enhanced by a horn section, which only makes the song more infectious. “Hesitating” is a laid-back track that goes down smooth with the help of lush vocal harmonies and relaxed keys. “Crazy Schemes” caps off the first half of the album with soul influenced grandness. The song’s background vocals are taken straight from the Beach Boys playbook.

The instrumental “Theme From BROS” is Queen mixed with a John Williams film score. Pounding piano and shining horns make this track memorable. “Sunflower” incorporates Latin rhythms that would be welcome at a waterfront bar. “You Love This Song” returns to funk but slide guitar and sudden transitions mix things up. “Clam’s Casino” transports us to a midnight jazz club where the ambient sounds of humming conversation and clinking glasses can be heard in the background. “Two for Tea” is gleefully weird. The cabaret number on acid revels in its own oddity. “Snake Dance” serves more as an introduction, preparing us for the final song. The chanting and exotic percussion add to the atmosphere of mystery. The finale “King of Kings” is an expansive psychedelic tapestry. Strings, organ, sitar, and tabla swirl in circular patterns against the backdrop of pulsing bass and drums. The hypnotic instrumental is a daring choice for the final track.

BROS’ Vol. 2 gives music fans a little bit of everything. The diversity of styles may come off as strange at first, but the band guides us through the maze they’ve constructed. Vol. 2 is a pleasure to listen to. The new release reveals further layers of depth.

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