
“It’s truly magical witnessing the final product of something that I've been mulling over in my head for years and I couldn't be more excited," says Bronze Radio Return front man, Chris Henderson, about the band's forthcoming self-titled EP.
A collection of love, triumph, uncertainty and even a childhood experience, comprise the five completely diverse tracks which make-up the band’s debut. The past few months of writing and recording has certainly managed to put many things into perspective for the young band, hailing from Hartford, Connecticut.
“Some of the songs that made the cut have been kicked around for years, while some have only recently been written and recorded. As the songwriter, it's interesting for me to see how all the songs derive from such unique places, yet when found under the same roof, seem to work really well with each other,” says Chris.
Collaborating with acclaimed producer/engineer/musician Doug Derryberry (Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Bruce Hornsby, Ben Folds Five), was an eye-opening experience. Doug first approached the band after a well-received performance at The Bitter End in New York City. The buzz about the band caught his attention, and arrangements were quickly made to record some tracks together. After numerous late nights and a few overdub sessions in New York City, the band had the songs "Mirrors and Smoke" and "I Don't Wait Any More."
"We were excited to hear these tunes come to life. I think Doug really understood what we were going for, yet crafted his own ideas to better emphasize what BRR is really about," says drummer Rob Griffith.
Several other songs that made the record-“Shade Tonight", "If the Roof is Leaking" and "The Truth"-were recorded in a much more casual atmosphere over the span of a year with the aid of some great friends.
"Overall, it was an immense, collaborative effort that pushed these tunes to where they are now. We had a bunch of guest musicians offer their time and ideas and I can't tell you how pleased I am with the final results," says Chris.
The tracks were recorded in Hartford by Rob Shaffer and mixed in Belgium by Rob Murray-both graduates from the same program that Chris attended at the Hartt School of Music.
Whether you refer to it as a personal narrative or merely a lesson in self-actualization, it is undeniable that the band's self-titled EP is sure to turn heads and give you the listener, a front row seat inside the brilliant minds of Bronze Radio Return. The miniature record of sorts is slated to hit the streets both on disc and via iTunes world-wide on March, 18.
“I feel like we’re constantly being asked, 'what do you call your kind of music?' and to be honest, that's the most sincere compliment we could get at this stage,” says Chris Henderson.
It would be far too easy to classify the band's music as "blues rock," although that may be the first genre that comes to mind when listening. According to Chris, “It’s clearly rooted in rock and blues music but we incorporate other elements that in the end make our music something unique- or at the very least, entertaining.” Unique and entertaining might be an understatement as to the music industry, the band is being praised as "a breath of fresh air" in an oversaturated market of unoriginality.
Despite the band's blatant and playful youthfulness, if you knew little of their appearance, you would swear they were a seasoned band of thirty-something’s. In contrast, though only in their early twenties, Bronze Radio Return has managed to garner much success thus far in their careers. Having caught the attention of major record labels, producers, and even several beverage companies (who, consequently, have approached the band about corporate endorsements). Bronze Radio Return is well on their way to being a mainstay, career band.
“Touring is going to be a big part of the band’s success,” says the band “We know it’s going to take an incredible amount of hard work and time to become that iconic band we strive to be." Bronze Radio Return knows it must continue to write the music it’s become known for—music that will make you dance, sing along, and feel good.
What People Are Saying:
"BEST GROOVE ROCK/JAM BAND"
- Hartford Advocate Grand Band Slam reader's poll 2008
"With this exceptional debut, Bronze Radio Return's upbeat melodies and sprightly outpour contradict their newcomer status. This five-song introduction exudes an air of confidence that makes every track sound both fresh and familiar, boding well for further endeavors."
-Performing Songwriter, June 2008
"The sound defies a genre sticker to stick on them. It's rock, kind of bluesy, it's rootsy, it's just damn good music."
-Jerry Henry (Planet Weekly)
"For such a young band, Bronze Radio Return lays claim to an awfully mature, well-seasoned sound. You won't want to miss a chance to catch these guys in their hometown bars before they move on to bigger and better things."
-Metromix (Connecticut)
FOUR STARS “This five-track collection showcases the fledgling band’s skills nicely and whets the appetite for their eventual full-length release.”
- “In Tune” (The Daily News)
“The rhythm section is funky, and the guitars play tasty licks to support Henderson's melodic tunes, and although the tracks never break the five-minute barrier, it's easy to imagine that they could serve as vehicles for much longer jams onstage.”
- William Ruhlmann (All Music Guide)
“The best thing about the album just may be the back-up vocals provided by virtually all the members, giving this record a deeper, funkier sound. Though this mini-record lasts only 19 minutes it is a wonderful advertisement for the band. With their “feel” it shouldn’t be long till they will be signed to a major label.”
- Matthew Hoffman (Hardrock Haven)
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