With a name like Brainsqueezed, you'd expect to hear twisted tech metal or a psychedelic soirée. Instead, the first sounds on Emotions — the debut album from a project helmed by French writer and multi-instrumentalist Sébastien L. — is the sexy a cappella vocals of Claire. (No last names involved in this enigmatic project.) From there, Brainsqueezed oozes into a hybrid of rock, prog and pop music, including the angular "Play," the far-ranging instrumental "80s Overture" and the theatrical piano ballad "Painful Dream." This is quirky stuff that nevertheless lacks excitement. Perhaps it's the flat production, or Claire's sometimes-bored-sounding delivery. In order to take this project to the next level, Brainsqueezed needs more songs like "Second Awakening," a loud, full-sounding piece of majestic and mysterious instrumental progressive rock that's not burdened by its own cleverness.
Track Listing:
1. Stereo (Intro)
2. Play
3. 80s Overture
4. Painful Dream
5. Breakdown
6. I Will Walk
7. Second Awakening
8. In Our Life
9. My First Song for Him
10. Again
11. Tuesday Nights
12. Stereo (Reprise)
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
