Bracken is an unearthed pandemic project between Kathleen Bracken (Those Transatlantics) and Ryan Allen (Extra Arms, Big Life, Thunderbirds Are Now!). In the early days of lockdown, with a handful of mellower tunes that didn't quite fit into Ryan's main bands, he reached out to his old friend Kate - after not being in contact for many years - to see if she would add her pristine voice to the recordings. After not being involved in a musical project of her own for quite some time, she agreed and the two began a long distance collaboration that made the long, isolated pandemic days not seem so dismal.
While the two had every intention of using these songs as demos and then hitting the studio once it became safe to do so, both became busy with just trying to keep it together while the world was in a state of confusion. Other projects were tended to, and for one reason or another, the four songs on this EP were set aside.
And while life started happening again, the nagging feeling that these songs should be heard kept chipping away. They were just too good to stay hidden for this long. So with that, we give you the "bracken." EP. Sure, these are demos, but in a way, the homespun, intimate quality of the recordings seem to suit the songs well. Kate and Ryan hope you enjoy these little tunes, wrapped up in 20+ years of friendship and shared experiences, with a mutual respect for one another's talents that shines through in the songs.
credits
released October 6, 2023
Kate Bracken - vocals, keyboards (track 1)
Ryan Allen - guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, percussion, vocals
All songs written by Bracken, except track 1 written by Kate.
Ryan's parts recorded at Elgin House Studios in Oak Park, MI.
Kate's parts recorded at home in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Mixed by Ryan Allen. Mastered by CloudBounce.
As a concept album . . . well, no such thing has ever survived on the conceit of the concept if the songs aren't there. Even Townshend can't explain what the hell Tommy is about. But Ryan brings the songs "because he has to" (to paraphrase the last cut), and thank the rock gods that he does. The fact that this is better than the last Who album by about 50 miles makes me think there will never be a last rock band, and beyond that, the concept probably doesn't matter that much. Craig O'Neill
Like most songs on the album this song shifts between two distinct modes that work great separately, but when they combine, they become Voltron and are unstoppable! bradykoch
The London band's new album is a vibrant postcard from southern Italy, boosted by brass, strings, and pizzica percussion from local players. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 14, 2024
February of 98 and I discover this band. I freaking worshiped this cd. I was so fortunate to go out to to the Poptopia fest in La and meet Chris and the guys that summer of 98. I was also lucky enough to bring them to Arizona to play with my band The Naked Chollas. What a time! So glad to discover this on vinyl as well now. Still sounds amazing in 2021!! jdsweet24