Album Review: Yahtzee Brown – You Got This

I get lots of music in my mailbox. And I’m not complaining; helpful artists, labels and publicists send me a steady stream of sounds, and it’s not uncommon to discover some new music that way, music that would have otherwise passed by without my notice. There’s so much of it out there.

Being a writer, I do in fact peruse the one-sheets (as they’re known) often – but not always – included along with the CDs. Because of the volume of unsolicited submissions received, those one-sheets can help guide my first-blush evaluation of a disc. If it says “prog,” I’m predisposed toward being interested.

If it mentions Americana, alas, I am not. The genre holds no fascination for me; none whatsoever. But wishing to be a fair-minded sort, I do listen. And in doing so, I occasionally – but only occasionally – find music that piques my interest.

Which brings me, finally, to You Got This from the curiously-named Yahtzee (Rhymes with N… never mind) Brown. On the start of my first listen, I don’t get the Americana tag at all. “Take it Back” as a breezy, simmering vibe with some tasty indie rock elements. True, the song’s middle eight goes somewhere different (and sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb), but it’s an appealing way to open an album. “Big Friday” does have a subtle heartland feel, with some sweet vocal harmonies and a taut arrangement; it’s another winning tune.

The poke-in-the-eye title of “Dad Rock” is a bit of misdirection. Some minimalist electronic textures and Brown’s plaintive vocal add up to a nice tune that takes its sweet time to unfold. But rock it does not, dad. “I am Waiting” showcases some straightforward and attractive piano work; unless the song that precedes it, it does rock.

One of the album’s most popular tracks, “I Guess I’m Sorry” features the most finely-wrought arrangement and production on You Got This. I’d call it a Spotlight Track if I were penning the aforementioned one-sheet. The lead guitar moves closest to what might – but only might, I say – be considered Americana. Perhaps notably, the lyrics mention drugs, a recurring theme on the collection. (Makes me wonder what the “This” of the album title might be, heh.)

“Watching Over You” is a catchy slice of twangy rock in an Old 97s vein, which is a rich vein indeed. It’s the best track on the record, and suggests a creative direction that young (22 y.o. for those who might wonder) Yahtzee would do well to pursue in future endeavors. “Sidelines” is the requisite creaky piano-and-vocal number, but as such things go, it’s effective. A sweeping string arrangement eases into the mix, adding plenty of drama.

Some very retro Chamberlin (or Mellotron, or samples thereof) introduces the plaintive “Halloween.” The song’s inclusion suggests that Yahtzee Brown is inclined toward balladry, and style that suits him well. You Got This wraps up with the unabashedly twangy “8 Weeks.” Even with its gentle string arrangement, the song – with its pedal steel tones and lyrics mentioning Jesus and salvation – is the most explicit bid for the Americana audience (in other words, not me).

But as a debut designed to highlight the stylistic versatility and creative potential of a young artist, You Got This is successful, and deserves a spin.