by Tom Gallo (@lookatmyrecords)
Brooklyn’s Razor Braids are poised to impress fans with their first single, “Nashville.” The four-piece, which features Hollye Bynum on bass/vocals, Janie Peacock on lead guitar, Jilly Karande on rhythm guitar, and scene veteran Hannah Nichols on drums, officially formed in 2017, but really picked up steam last year. A string of impressive and memorable local performances at Home Sweet Home on New Year’s Eve, Punk Island, Mercury Lounge, and Rough Trade raised their profile, leaving many onlookers wondering when this awesome band was going to release some music. Well, the time has finally come, and Razor Braids are pulling no punches with their first official release.
“Nashville” is a nice representation of the quartet’s multi-faceted sonic palette and unique approach to making music. The lively song, which blends elements of punk, garage rock, grunge, and just a slight pinch of country, motors along with an electric rhythm and hooked-filled guitars that kick in right from the first verse. The energy levels remain elevated as the drums propel forward with a bang and exuberantly stomp right along amongst a bouncy, head-nodding bassline and sugary harmonies. The swinging fuzz-pop track is marked by clean melodies and an infectious guitar riff that strings the song along to its abrupt ending, which appears to speak to the song’s lyrical themes of change.
The group has a distinct personality that permeates through their music, particularly, frontperson Bynum’s expressive voice, which, in perhaps a nod to the song’s namesake, has a slight twang to it at times. Bynum fondly, but cautiously, reminisces on the past, hoping to hold on to fleeting memories with a person she once knew, but the tone of her voice almost signifies that she’s well aware that her hopes are in vain. That jagged edge comes across in the song’s aforementioned abrupt ending, which cuts off before Bynum can finish the refrain, “I want you to stay just who you are.” It’s a catchy, impressive debut for a band that’s setting themselves up for a big 2020.