Thursday, April 4, 2019

“Brotherhood” by OUTSIDER – A Song Feature

     In the song “Brotherhood,” atop elements that are clearly his own, OUTSIDER layers features that share attractive characteristics with other bands we applaud. From the instrumental standpoint, the guitar at the start of “Brotherhood” has the intricacy and intimacy of an Angels and Airways classic. From the vocalization standpoint, the force (particularly apparent during the song’s chorus) is likely achieved using voice overdubbing to generate vocal salvos similar to those of Bleachers. In “Brotherhood,” the voice belongs to Seán Corcoran, who uses OUTSIDER as his performance moniker.

     “Brotherhood” is a high energy single with a tempo driven in percussion overdrive. Fittingly, the final seconds are drums with guitar that is attractive but deferential to the percussion. Still, it’s the vocal delivery of intelligent and meaningful lyrics that sets the song apart from others we recommend. The lyrics (which are included below) are even sprinkled with religious references. In explaining the single, Seán Corcoran said:
  “In one sense it’s a criticism of how men generally interact with one another. It’s typical of guys, if they’re going through a hard time, to go out and get blitzed. You have a good night out with the lads, you go wild and you think that you’re exorcising your demons but you’re really not. But there’s definitely a celebratory aspect to it as well, which recognises the importance of those friendships.”

     OUTSIDER is based in Dublin, Ireland. The debut single “Miol Mor Mara” received highly deserved praise. Corcoran builds on that momentum with the release of “Brotherhood” and “Ghost As King,” two songs inspired by his experiences with CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder). Corcoran uses music to help him through struggles with mental health.

Quoting the OUTSIDER bio:
  Inspired by the likes of Joy Division, The Jesus & Mary Chain and Bruce Springsteen, OUTSIDER’s music works on three levels. The immediacy of the music and its emotional pull have the power to capture people’s attention, but there’s a real depth to discover in the multi-layered lyrics too. His poetic disposition encompasses religious references, philosophical concepts and evocative imagery.
  OUTSIDER takes his name from Colin Wilson’s 1956 book ‘The Outsider’, which examines the psyche of great artists and their place in society. It’s an apt moniker. Simultaneously straddling post-punk/alt-rock roots with a mainstream immediacy sets him apart from the pack, and operating outside of of the realm of the local Dublin music scene further highlights his individuality. Proud to be working class, he continues to support his music by working a regular job.

     “Brotherhood” by OUTSIDER 


Lyrics of “Brotherhood” by OUTSIDER
Set me on fire with sleight of hand I'm a burning man
But I am a stranger in your land
I am stranger to your love
I see it now

Send word to the God of her
That I am in your temple
But I am a stranger in your land
I am a stranger to your love

So let it all go
We sing the same songs every night

So, let me come on over
Put my heartache on your shoulder
Got a bad side brother
Tonight we're gonna kill it yeah
[Repeat without “So”]

Let me come on over
Put my heartache on your shoulder
Got a bad side brother
Tonight we're Cain and Abel yeah
[Repeat]

Ooh ooh ooh
Want a bloodless river
Ooh ooh ooh
Oh brotherhood
Ooh ooh ooh
Oh brotherhood

Blakes' Cain killer like rua tigers in the liath sky
Sent me right into the flood
I am a stranger to your love
I see it now

On old stairs we hang like angels in offertory
Sent me right into the flood
I was a stranger to your love

So let it all go
We sing the same songs every night

Let me come on over
Put my heartache on your shoulder
Got a bad side brother
Tonight we're gonna kill it yeah
[Repeat]

Let me come on over
Put my heartache on your shoulder
Got a bad side brother
Tonight we're Cain and Abel yeah
[Repeat]

Ooh ooh ooh
Want a bloodless river
Ooh ooh ooh
Oh brotherhood
Ooh ooh ooh
Oh brotherhood
[Repeating]


"Brotherhood" -
   Seán Ó Corcoran - vocals, lyrics, rhythm guitars, bass.
   Owen Geaney - lead guitars, drums, synths.



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