Written by Maria Arroyo
Seattle-based band, Smokey Brights, drop their third LP, I Love You But Damn, today. The AM Pop Magic band features the husband and wife outfit, Ryan Devlin (vocals and guitar), and his wife, Kim West (vocals and keys), as well as Luke Logan (vocals/bass), and Nicholas Krivchenia (drums). Each member brings something different to the table which is all highlighted throughout the album.
Opening the album is the song, “Save Us Sarah,” an alternative rock song with some killer harmonies between the vocalists. There’s also a ton of dynamic contrast throughout the song, which makes the song more diverse, and more interesting to listen to, and their sound is amazing!
Their next song “72” has a really neat funky bassline with some retro sounding-type vibes. This song, along with “Cruel,” both deliver amazing storytelling in the music and lyrics while remaining catchy and subtle.
The album’s title track, “I Love You But Damn,” is super relatable. The feel of this song is incredibly stunning. The build-up of the intensity and energy works really well in making the listener feel something while listening to this song. This song has massive potential to connect with an even bigger reach than I think they could have anticipated because the song has something that everyone can take something away from.
Bringing in some darker underlying tones to the album is their song “I Won’t Lie 4 U.” The change and demeanor of this song really add a different perspective that the album didn’t have before. It shows a side of vulnerability in their music that I really appreciate.
“Since ’85” stays strong in their rock and alternative ways with some incredible contrast between the verses and chorus, which again, add some diversity to their sound that would have otherwise not been there.
Both tracks “Dance Until We Die” and “Hey California” were both great songs emotionally that steered us into a more relaxed state of mind. The melodic and lyrical structure in the former song showcases the immense talent they have for lyrical content, whereas the latter song keeps our attention with a rock-solid melody and amazing intensity to match.
Bringing their album, I Love You But Damn, to a close is their final track, “Shelter Me.” They surprise me yet again by throwing in some blues and soul into the mix. This was a great choice to close out the album, so much so that I wish I could have heard this styling in some other songs! Overall, they blew me away.
Smokey Brights really pushed themselves in this release. I Love You But Damn is a string of songs put together to create this cohesive and amazing story that listeners will relate and take something away from. Be sure to check out their music and more about them in their links, it’s worth it.
Connect with Smokey Brights
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Spotify | Soundcloud | Apple Music
