Ripe

Description

At the height of the lockdown, the trio Brainstory huddled in their studio and turned their energy inward. With all their concerts and future tours cancelled, Kevin Martin, Tony Martin, and Eric Hagstrom had no other alternative for playing than their rehearsal space, converted into a makeshift studio. Resisting the obstacles of the moment, they recorded and produced a brand new EP. They were already top-notch musicians two years ago, but the time spent in the studio with Leon Michels producing their album Buck and playing alongside bands like Holy Hive and Chicano Batman had a profound effect on them. Their listening, skill, philosophy, and dynamics matured, hence the EP's name, Ripe. It's a seven-song journey in which Brainstory is as much a person as a band. By choosing to record a primarily instrumental record, they moved away from their 2019 debut album Buck and further showcased their jazz roots. Ripe feeds on jazz, hip-hop, 70s funk, 60s soul, and life in Southern California in 2021. "Seasons" is a song about navigating the challenges of 2020 that would make Roy Ayers proud. "Long Day" and "Rogers" are steeped in psychedelic smoke and promise a moment away from reality. "Bye Bye" is a sweet soul ballad destined to become a classic of the genre. As we all shed the darkness of 2020, Ripe is a welcome ray of sunshine.