Weird Brother – True Love Is A Dog

By Ryan G

It’s hard to know how to classify Weird Brother. That’s a part of their charm, though.

One minute, you’re subject to an easygoing driving melody (“Come Correct” for example) and later tiptoeing on the edge of a surreal realm (“New High”).

Prior to diving into this record, my most immersive experience with Weird Brother had been at a Tuned Up event, in which they shared a bill with defunct psych rock trio Girl Colors of Indiana (of their members now plays in a thrash/death metal outfit, Death on Fire, as his primary vocation). Perhaps the basement of a Donatos Pizza joint wasn’t the best place to get weird, but even in my going-in-blind situation I still was impressed by how tight this group was.

Bits and pieces of the Columbus scene seem to be influencing the sound of True Love Is A Dog. In “Lock Me Up,” vocalist Drew Clausen at times seems to channel Room & Board’s Jonathan Hape, in a dark, proto-punk influenced track that reminds a bit of Mount Eerie at times – but more driving. I suppose the Room & Board inspiration shouldn’t be a shock – after all, Weird Brother shares a drummer, Andy Foster, with them. At times, the harmonies and driving nature of the songs remind me of the moody psych-surf of Bummers as well. The most summery song of the record is “Tiger Team” and would be a good complement to say, a Bummers headline set at Comfest.

Sorry for all the name dropping. I promise Weird Brother are their own songwriters and not ripping anyone off.

Oh, I suppose now would be a good time to mention that Weird Brother plays with two drummers in a live setting. I haven’t seen them live since the addition of said drummer (shame on me), but “Safe For Work” sounds like it would provide interesting context for seeing that play out.

This album may be coming to a cookout playlist near you soon. And by near you, I probably mean literally near you; I’ll playlist some tunes from this record at the next cookout I host.