What is it to be alive in this day and age? Heck, in any day and age? How many different masks do we wear? How do we juggle all of it without going nuts? Brijean (Brijean Murphy – vocals and percussion, Doug Stuart – all sorts of things and production) wonder about this stuff on their new album, Macro, and their answer seems to be “Embrace the ride.”
I mean, the only lyrics on the brief opener “Get Lost” are “Let’s go.” After that, they encourage us to go to “Euphoric Avenue” as Murphy sings about seeing familiar, yet unknown faces on the train and how she spies “comedies in the most mundane.” Logan Hone‘s guest flute on it turns the track into a delightful trip. “Bang Bang Boom” is a call to playful action. “So, this is it. It’s all or nothing. So, pony up and ride it out…It’s in the micro moments. It’s in a macro way.” I’m not sure which I like best on this track: Murphy’s conga beats or Stuart’s bass groove.
“After Life” is a lovely romantic song about how a lover can take your breath away and make you “feel magnetic.” Stuart’s soaring synths and guest star Ryan Richter‘s lap steel guitar blend to create a powerful warmth. “Breathe” encourages all of us to get off the internet (Please wait until after you’ve read this review.) and do simple free things that recharge us, such as “taking walks and dancing where I please” and sitting in the park. Its bubbly beat will inspire you to do all of that.
“Counting Sheep” has Murphy missing her lover, but still seeing them in her dreams (“It’s only in my dreams when I’m with you.”) and sometimes that’s good enough (“They’re visions, I know. Synthetic, I’m told, but feels good to me.”). The bumping synth bass and beats on it are great for sexy dancing in your kitchen.
We can all relate to “Workin’ on It” – a song about trying to get fit, get better sleep, get paid, get laid, and everything else (“Modern times have a hold on me. Let’s be honest, I’m workin’ on it. Watch me juggle my priorities.”). It has this fun, almost aerobic workout beat to it that will encourages you to get out of your chair and either workout or get to work…because on “Scenic Route,” Murphy is “Late for work again.” and looking for anyway to get out of it and enjoy the day instead of being stuck in traffic yet again (“Turning signals, traffic jams. Is this really who I am?”). Sometimes turning off the usual route to the scenic one is the best course of action. The panning effect that Stuart drops on this is outstanding, by the way.
After all, as Murphy sings on “Roller Coaster,” “Life’s just a rental.” Why take it so seriously? “Ride the waves, the highs, the lows,” she sings / encourages. “Laura” ends the album with fun tropical disco beats to keep your energy moving as you step out the door.
“It’s upbeat and sensual,” said my girlfriend after hearing Macro (and Brijean) for the first time. That’s a perfect way to sum it up, and how Brijean suggest we experience life.
Keep your mind open.
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[Thanks to Patrick at Pitch Perfect PR!]
