The Pelican’s Perch

The Brunettes - Structure and Cosmetics

Posted by Kevin
August 16, 2007

What a surprising little charming album this turned out to be. I’m admittedly behind in the Brunettes game, but I most likely will be digging a little deeper into their back catalogue after hearing Structure & Cosmetics. The Brunettes are Johnathan Bree and Heather Mansfield, and their music recalls romantic songs of old. While the two are the core members of the band, it seems that their live show is what has put them on the map. They first caught Johnathan Poneman’s ear when they opened for the Postal Service and he signed them shortly after. The Shins became fans and brought them along for their tour as well.

Reading their bio, it seems their live show has always consisted of having multiple members on stage that switch between instruments and put on quite the show. You couldn’t really have predicted that after just hearing their music, but they’re definitely one band I’m eager to see.

As for the album itself, I’m kind of surprised at the mp3 Sub Pop is giving away, as it’s not exactly representative of the band’s sound like others such as “Her Hairagami Set” and “Obligatory Road Song”, but it’s still good none the less. Either way, The Brunettes’ music is too happy not to like. Structure & Cosmetics won’t be making any of my year end lists, but sometimes you just feel like happy music that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly what The Brunettes’ romantic pop music ends up being.