Brinsley Schwarz - Tangled (2021)

Brinsley Schwarz was a band from way-back-when that even most classic rock fans won't recognize. They were a quintet from the first half of the 1970s that - like Van Halen - took its name from the lead guitarist.

Despite winning the love of critics and a devoted cult following Brinsley Schwarz never made it to the big time, but it did matriculate one illustrious graduate - Nick Lowe. They broke up in 1975 after several albums tried but failed to win an audience.  

The British pub-rockers were one of the progenitors of the sub-genre that has often been said to be a precursor to punk and those who knew about the group still look upon them fondly.

As we all know, Lowe became a star. Rhythm guitarist Ian Gomm went on to have a solo career too but with less commercial success. Schwarz then became a longtime member of The Rumour, working with Graham Parker for many, many years.

Schwarz self-released Unexpected in 2016. Now he is back on the scene with his second solo effort, Tangled.  Released in September of last year, it's as enjoyable as any of the work he recorded with his old band.

Tangled was recorded in London at the studio of James Hallawell. He played all of the guitars along with bass, organ and drums.

Schwarz can rock without working up a sweat. If you're a fan of very early Dire Straits, Rockpile, Lowe, and the shuffling J.J. Cale beat featured on "Storm On The Hills" you'll find a lot to like on this very enjoyable set. Most of the tracks are on the low key side but they have a rock 'n roll heart, and that's the key to this album's success.

The ten songs clock in at slightly over thirty-seven minutes, so the record doesn't wear out the listener, just like most of the better LPs from the 70s didn't overstay their welcome. The album has nine originals and a Parker cover, "Love Gets You Twisted."

“As before with Unexpected I tried to make a record that I like, that I will like ten years from now, and that people will like now and in the future,” Schwarz said in his press release. “I don't see songwriting as a science. You start, humbly, with a couple of words or a couple of chords and see where you get, and if you end up with an album that you enjoy and that moves people in some way, even a little bit, then that’s good.” You don't hear rock music like this record much anymore so its a welcome addition to my collection."

Subject matter includes the world health crisis and ecological concerns but don't expect this to be a depressing slate of tunes. They're concise, melodic and feature great guitar playing from Schwarz. Upon first listen I just reveled in the sound of the songs. They were enjoyable without paying attention to what Schwarz had to say. When I went back to listen to the lyrics they were just icing on the cake.

Find out more at Brinsley Schwarz's Bandcamp page and at Fretsore Records.