Simple Machines Records | Raymond Brake reviews

Raymond Brake Reviews

RAYMOND BRAKE
New Wave Dream 7"
From the pages of the CMJ New Music Report, Issue: 428 - May 22, 1995

The Raymond Brake has chosen its name somewhat appropriately: The A-side of this single sticks in your head by virtue of a jerky, stop/start rhythmic sleight-of-hand that repeatedly slams the brakes on the melody with teasing aplomb. Without wasting a moment's space, the flipside's "Secret" easily complements the title song with more fluid, looping guitar lines and steadily driving beat, making for an infectious package of clever songwriting and quickly-familiar hooks.
-CHERYL BOTCHICK

RAYMOND BRAKE
Piles Of Dirty Winters CD
From the pages of the CMJ New Music Report, Issue: 453 - Nov 27, 1995

Greensboro, North Carolina, is not exactly a hotbed for rock, and that's a good thing for Raymond Brake. The band lives and schools in the North Carolina town, free of fear of comparisons to, or competition with, other hometown bands. The Raymond Brake does, however, have a familiar style, emotional indie rock with hooks ˆla Slint, Seam or Pavement. Piles Of Dirty Winters, the band's debut, thankfully borrows concepts from these indie rock greats without plagiarizing specific melodies, creating an album with a comfortable ring of familiarity apparent upon first listen. Piles Of Dirty Winters is comprised of a myriad of textures, including slow and sappy ballads, acoustic, stripped-down ditties and catchy rock songs that teeter on the edge of punk. The album's stylistic array has been perfectly arranged so that there are no awkward pauses, so that the album builds and maintains its momentum. Put the Brakes on and give a listen to: "Shooting In The Dark," "Philistine" and "Slink Moss."
-DAWN SUTTER