By: Nora E. Lindner
Rating: 7/11

The thing that’s refreshing, and intriguing, about A Brief Smile is the breadth of their musical range. At first listen they seem like a quite straightforward fivesome listed on Myspace under rock and indie music. But that’s really modesty, because A Bright Smile is more than a rock band. They can play rock, yes, as exemplified in songs like “Century at Heart” (which is reminiscent of The Stone Roses), even indie rock in “Bigger Lies” (which is more like Peter, Bjorn & John). But then there’s “Motorcyle” with its electronica jamband feel and “Never Had the Time” with its crooning, Radiohead-esque vocals. And let’s not forget “This Machine,” an epic and introspective single that’s pop-rock sound could have been released by a grungier U2. Needless to say, this NYC band has got quite a bit of talent and a diverse repertoire.

By: Sam Houghton
Rating: 4/11

Indie music is effeminate and contrived? The music has lost the gung ho spirit of stripped down rock, the independent wail that is rock ‘n’ roll, and has turned into over-complicated, cosmic jams? Hold the phone. Perhaps some critics have become stuck in the past, too headstrong for a little liberal energy, a little Vermont heady material and sophistication. In defense of A Brief Smile and their two new demos, Restaurant Airport and Be Mine, something must be said for indie music. Effeminate or not, there’s some energy bundling behind those keyboards and Corgan-style, reverb heavy guitars… sometimes. Not always. But sometimes.  And on songs like “Century of Heart” and “Motorcycle,” A Brief Smile gets their songs jumping and hollering and moving towards a kind of climax. They understand their music and create some good stuff; they’ve proven that on these demos. But, unfortunately, the over complication on the albums grows tiresome, the vocals are a bit too jumpy and contrived and the bridges are too often, almost sporadic, as if they are trying to do too much instead of letting their music play.

Click here to read both articles and to check out A Brief Smile's video for "Motorcycle!"