New Jersey quintet Bern & the Brights’ introductory EP Swing Shift Maisies showcases a uniquely catchy amalgam of chamber pop and prog country rock, creating a distinct sound all their own. “Bern” is vocalist Bernadette Malavarca, and the “Brights” – Catherine McGowan (vocals, guitar), Nicole Scorsone (violin), Shawn Farfara (bass) and Jose Ulloa (drums) – open with the representative track “Boo”, a beautiful vocal performance swathed in a woeful lilting violin, debuting Bern’s powerful singing voice and the band’s raw emotional brand of music. Closing song ”It Goes Like That” features a driving drum beat and accompanying violin of lovely top notes that makes for an irresistible toe-tapper. All in all, this EP is a quality album full of imagination that refuses to pigeonholed; it is a definite must listen for any music fan. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Arcade Fire, Edie Brickell, Jeff Buckley, The New Pornographers, R.E.M.