#6 - Stephen Brodsky's Octave Museum - Self-Titled

Stephen Brodsky's Octave Museum - Stephen Brodsky's Octave Museum (Hydra Head)
While Cave-In is Stephen Brodsky's bread and butter, the singer always manages to find time to engage in side projects either as a solo artist or joining forces with others (New Idea Society). Joined by bassist/keyboardist Johnny Northup (Thee Electric Bastards) and drummer Kevin Strongbow (Scissorfight), Brodsky's latest release is a gorgeous album of space-pop that recalls some of Cave-In's more commercial sounding moments (see: Cave-In's 2003 major label debut, Antennae). Brodsky has always worn his influences on his sleeve (Failure, Metallica, Iron Maiden) and continues to do so as a solo artist. The CD's opening track, "Voice Electric", could easily have been on Jeremy Enigk's latest release. Likewise, Brodsky references a rich mix of influences ranging from the bouncy pop of the New Pornographers ("Sentimental Case"), to the rich melodies of the Beatles ("Kid Defender") to the thoughtful wordplay of Elvis Costello ("Red Headed Butterflies"). Cave-In fans may be sorely disappointed but fans of good pop music will find a lot to like in Brodsky's latest (and hopefully long-lasting) creation.