Elder Brother – Stay Inside

Indie rock duo Elder Brother is The Story So Far guitarist/vocalist Kevin Geyer and Daybreaker vocalist Dan Rose.  The project follows in the footsteps of bands like Minus The Bear and other like-minded indie acts.  There’s a certain sense of soft beauty flowing from the notes, one that is striking without elevating emotions beyond an even demeanor.  If Dashboard Confessional was more artful and less commercial, Chris Carrabba may have sounded like this.  

The duo’s latest album, Stay Inside, is distanced from their debut by four years, and is defined by a marked increase in confidence.  Each track feels distinct and purposeful, melding elements of math rock and poppy choruses with whatever other inspiration the band has on hand at any given moment.  Opener “Greatest Hit” sets a scenic mood, drawing upon ambience and soft piano notes for a sort of serene calmness that foreshadows the mellow nature of what’s in store.  

By the time “No Reason” hits, the band’s knack for skillfully balancing catchy melodies with artful choruses becomes clear.  The track melds soft falsetto vocals with confident yet relaxed riffs. There’s a certain twinkly quality to the melody, but without feeling forced or overdone.  The song manages this essence while picking up the pace through the chorus and beyond. The lightness of the tracks shouldn’t be mistaken as limiting the band to convention or safety though, as tracks like “Unnatural History” conjure instrumental comparisons with Trophy Scars in generating mysterious soundscapes veiled in darkness.  These moments serve as an effective counter to the more voluminous and low key pop of “Wish You Were Here” or “You And Me Forever.”  Taken as a whole, Elder Brother’s thoughtful songwriting makes Stay Inside well balanced and never boring.  

Elder Brother holds all the markings of a project born from past experience.  As sophomore efforts go, Stay Inside exemplifies the duo’s further maturation, both from the project’s debut, and distancing themselves from their original bands.  Elder Brother’s latest effort is a natural choice for fans of soft yet tuneful indie pop.