Search - Echobrain :: Echobrain

A Refreashing Breath of Air

Nicole Maronn | Enfield, CT | 12/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Echobrain is the "brain child" of former Metallica bassiest Jason Newsted and two fresh faces in the music world, Brain Sagrafena and Dylan Donkin. It was recorded at Newsted's own Chophouse Records and put out by little-known label Surfdog Records (unless you know who Gary Hooey is, aka "Mr. Metal Christmas" for his rocking renditions of classic Christmas songs, who is under this label). Why take notice? Well, kept reading and get the answer.I was able to catch the group live just last year on their "Keep Me Alive" Tour in New Haven, CT. They are one live act that you must see! Plus, I was able to see Newsted before he left the group to join Ozzy's band! I already had the CD even before I saw them live and I must say, this is music that will perk up your spirits and won't annoy the folks (but, then again, if your folks are into metal, this could be a gain of salt to swallow). Similar to the already cloned alterna-pop acts, Echobrain stands out well. Instead of a polished, cookie-cutter record, we are treated to a semi-gritty, almost underground indie rock set. Very radio-friendly, but may never even see radio's radar (you would mostly likely catch this on college radio).Now here's a quick review of the entire disk, all in order:Colder World--Very up-tempo and could easily leak onto a station like 96.5. Exteremly catchy! A great song to start off a great record!The Feeling Is Over--A flowing track, wonderful to sit back and relax too. Also radio-friendly without being over-baked!Spoonfed--Nice track and great guitars make this track most enjoible!Adrift--Very laid-back with a folk-flavor to it. Everytime I hear it, I think of the old Peanuts movie "Snoopy Come Home".Keep Me Alive--Another radio-friendly track with more great guitar work!Ghosts--I mostly ingnore this track due to the fact that it's WAY TOO depression. But it's a nice sad song.Suckerpunch--A mellow, almost Gothic-like track that features a wonderfully-played solo by Kirk Hammett (Metallica) which gives this track a nice kick!Highway 44--A bluesy road song that makes you almost smell the dust from the nearest dirt road!I Drank You--Nice track with some great acoustic guitars!Cryin' Shame--The longest track on the record. A moody, dark song that reminds me of the anime series Trigun. A great song too!**HIDDEN TRACK** The Crazy Song--A silly, up-beat doodle that features the kazoo. Diffently will put a smile on your face!To sum up, Echobrain requires you to listen with an open mind. If you enjoy arty music like Radiohead, this may not sound like Radiohead, but with the amazing talents of Sagrafena and Donkin now left to pick up where Jason has already placed them, chances are the Echobrain will delight whoever its' audience maybe."

That rocks!

Birgit | Austria | 06/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"EchoBrain that is Dylan Dankin doing the vocals and playing the guitar, Brain Sagrafena behind the drums and Jason Newsted on the bass. But I want to take a closer look at the bass player and at one of the additional musicians who appear on this album. Newsted belonged to the four horsemen of Metallica until 2001. It is said that the underlying record caused the separation. But regardless of that fact Kirk Hammett, who is still an active Metallica member, acts as a guest musician for one song.Now here are two recommendations for first listening. Track 7 is called SuckerPunch and features Kirk Hammett. Focus your attention on the solo in the middle. It would be Hammett all over if you could only sharpen up the meter. You hear effective bendings and crushing licks but it is simply too slow. Next, there is this song named Ghosts, track 6. Watch out for the emotional viola intro and outro. The remaining string parts are quite rhythmic and remind me of Metallica's S&M which was released in 1999, but build up your own opinion upon that.The time has come to discuss the sound a bit. Therefore I want to concentrate on the various instruments in greater detail. Dankin presents his lyrics in a melodic way and persuades with his pleasant voice. Drums and strings mainly serve as a kind of completing accompaniment. Sagrafena plays unobtrusive drums. The use of string arrangements is well-timed and does not make the songs too soft. The rhythm parts which are taken over by guitar and bass are played precisely and offer clear cut riffs. To round the whole thing off most songs are interspersed with delicate fills and interludes. In the guitar solos occur classic bendings as well as simple pentatonic patterns. To sum it up, you cannot say that it is Metal they play, but you cannot call it Grunge either. It is just EchoBrian, incomparable to everything existing!"

BEST ALBUM EVAR!!!

D. Stewart | Grand Rapids, MI USA | 12/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a huge fan of Jason Newsted and i couldn't wait to get my hands on this cd!!! I wasn't dissappointed when I bought this cd either!!! WOW!!! Track 1-7 are simply amazing!!!! What's surprising is that you can play this cd straight through without pressing fast forward. That's rare nowadays! If you don't have this cd then something isn't right with you! Echobrain is on my top 5 greatest cd's list. BUY IT!!!!"