Brandes's songs are almost all reflective and narrative-driven. Many are intensely personal. Some are political. A few range between one and the other. But all are centred on the language, meaning and poetry of his lyrics.
Acoustic guitar and piano typically form the setting for the songs, supported by subtle percussion, strings and occasional electronic textures. The arrangements are intimate and spacious, prioritising atmosphere and emotional depth over spectacle, and designed to enhance rather than dominate the lyrics.
Brandes's vocals move fluidly between singing and spoken delivery, creating music that feels less like performance and more like memory or thought unfolding in real time.
A selection of songs and lyrics from the album.
Words
Brandes
Music
The Lion of Judah, Like A Waterfall, Bruised And Shaken
Brandes
Like A Dagger, Fast Food, From The Higher Ground, The Bridge, It Is You, An Ordinary Man, Please Don't Call,
Song for Mordecai, Siri's Song
Dale Fewtrell and Brandes
The Dream
Jonny Amos and Brandes
All instruments, arrangements and production
Jonny Amos at The Song Lab, Birmingham
Album cover
Photography
Fred Bradley and Diane McConnell
Artwork
Paul Mead of designRed