No, that’s not a spelling error, that’s the name of this alt-rock band from Chicago/LA who’ve been making a name for themselves since becoming the winners of the 2017 Great American Song Contest (as a Top 5 winner in the country category). Their six-song debut EP has been available since November, easily found on Bandcamp at a low, low price.
Söur Bruthers are Tim Fitzgerald on vocals, Mike Argyrakis on guitar/vocals, Bill Lloyd on bass/vocals, Mike Starostovic on drums when the band plays in Chicago and Tony Alunni on the drums when the band is in L.A. These guys have all known each other for many years and have even worked together under different band names, which is why they opted for “Bruthers” as part of this band name. The sour part? Well, isn’t everyone a little bit sweet and a little bit sour, at least from time to time?
The band has a clever slogan, which works to describe their music, “Sourlicious rock with a Country Twang!” Despite the word country being thrown around in slogans and contests, they aren’t a traditional country band. Their sound is more like a classic/alt rock sound.
Listening to them will make you think of bands like Georgia Satellites, ELO, and many other classic rockers. However, you can also hear how the music gets that crossover sound into the country-side of things.
“Sinkin’ Down” has a great beat, could be good for line dancing or even a two-step. The lyrics are kind of like a failure story. The music is tight and you’ll love the vocals. There may be some twang in the guitars from time to time, but the vocals remain straight up rock.
This is such an upbeat album that it’s hard not to want to get up and dance, especially when “Better Days” starts playing. This is a motivational song in some ways, from the beat all the way to the lyrics. “3 a.m.” slows things down a tiny bit, with a love song. It’s slower, but it’s still pretty upbeat. You’ll feel a lot of crossover rock/country vibes in this one.
From the fresh rock rhythm of “All I Want”, to the stoner rock sound of “Wash Away”, and finally, the pure country sounds of “Release Me”, this EP has a little bit to offer everyone that loves rock or loves country music. It deserves the accolades it has gotten and more. Five-stars.
