Slick, well-produced, supremely crafted singer/songwriter pop that is up there with the likes of Coldplay, Brett Dennen, Matt Nathanson. In his words, Nathan Brumley is: “More than just your Coldplay or Keane piano-based pop band.” Well said, and who am I to argue? His Contemporary Christian pop combines the best of what the current crop of pop singer/songwriters have to offer, with the addition of positive and uplifting lyrics.
Something Real suggests U2's “Sunday Bloody Sunday” with a softer and less insistent drive. This song could easily fit on many radio formats, from Top 40 to Hot AC to Contemporary Christian. Mind Over Mercy hints of some INXS in its opening, owing in part to a vocal treatment that suggests Hutchence in “Need You Tonight”; however, the track veers away from Hutchence’s darkness and becomes a layered pop hit that showcases Brumley’s clear and uplifting voice. Love Outside the Lines is another quickly catchy song that is radio ready – although contemporary in its sound, it also suggests the sound of some older era singer/songwriters, like Todd Rundgren (“I Saw the Light” and “Hello It’s Me”). Only My Heart and Breath of My Soul round out Brumley’s musical selections, with the latter featuring lovely string and piano accompaniment.
Visit Brumley’s myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/nathanbrumleymusic and take a listen.
