antiMusic.com: Bryan Eich - Sleeping By a Wire Review

Bryan Eich - Sleeping By a Wire Review
by Erika Szabo

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It becomes apparent very early on that Bryan Eich is here to play music to reminisce over the ever so common feelings of lust, love, and loss - all constituting the pith of life. Lyrics are as light as ever in this already light album, and one should give him merit for the effect of his music rather than judging him by his words alone. It's not hard to tell that Bryan Eich was inspired by the likes of Oasis, Coldplay, Radiohead, Travis and the Beatles, but his ability to differentiate himself in sound really makes Sleeping By a Wire something special. Pleasing to the ear, Eich's cozy vocals never seem forced proving his words to be that much more meaningful. It's hard not to gain trust in him and his often melodic, simple, sweet and occasionally divergent music. This New York based musician is compelling and no clich�; in fact, he's rather a deviationist of sorts. These songs provide a much-appreciated look into life and what it gives and takes. And whatever these feelings should sound like, Eich makes a good representation of the human study in his music.

In an easy listening pop album like this, it is better to describe the emotions the music conjures over sound itself. Thanks to satisfactory storytelling, Bryan Eich presents an album full of emotion. Piano and snare opener "Big Fish" stumbles through lust-driven vulnerabilities. "Can't Wait For Long" dwells in the heady feeling of love while "Head Hangs Low" follows the lowest moments of despair. Coming of age "We're Worlds Apart" and "Somewhere Along the Line" both share cinematic qualities in their already mature sound. "Piece of Mind" portrays a much weaker, broader idea of misfortune - in this case, loss of self or the search for self - but sounds just as sweet as any of Eich's other poppy manifestations. The daunting "Love Blind" is full of false hope and the irreconcilable "Lost" pounds and throbs through strong emotions. The lovely "Everything" depicts even the most cumbersome goodbyes. "One That I Like" provides cheerful trills during the most substantial stages of love. The desperation in "Lonely Where I've Been" seems so sweet despite the gradual pain that pulsates through, eventually ending with the most melancholy strings ever thought imaginable. "Time Will Come Over You" is independent and strong as well as encouraging like in the closer, "Honey". Sleeping By a Wire will bring you to tears if experiencing a weak heart, which is until you come across one of the inspiring songs on the album. Having a fairly good balance of tracks, Eich is well aware of the power his music can evoke.

It's sometimes hard to believe that Sleeping By a Wire is unsigned, an album this attractive would be sure to find any willing label, but is this album ready for one? Providing itself in a separate space from most equally good albums, Bryan Eich situates himself in the best possible position. Being without a label, Sleeping By a Wire feels that much more uncommon, as though listeners are taking an audio tour through his thoughts and feelings he's fond of encountering. Much like anyone recounting old memories, times of difficulty are imminent. In the line, "I think I have to take a step back, retrace my thoughts." It's as though a commentary is playing during Eich's songs, telling listeners that he needs time to think, better grasp a feeling once lost. His storytelling and real depiction of emotion unwinds gracefully throughout his music. What makes Sleeping By a Wire such a strong album is its ability to accept its insecurities and vulnerabilities This makes the album that much more personal and that much more honest.

Track Listing
1. Big Fish
2. Can't Wait For Long
3. Head Hangs Low
4. We're Worlds Apart
5. Somewhere Along The Line
6. Piece of Mind
7. Love Blind
8. Lost
9. Everything
10. One That I Like
11. Lonely Where I've Been
12. Time Will Come Over You
13. Honey