Track of the Day: News From Bree – Campaign
Combining emotive lyricism with moving melodies, South Florida-based News From Bree brings an endearing folk meets Americana sound to the masses. Formed in 2018 by Samuel (lead vocals, guitar and baritone ukelele), Derek (backing vocals and bass) and Adam (backing vocals, guitar, banjo and flute), News From Bree adopt an innovative approach to music. The latest addition to their intriguing repertoire is ‘Campaign’.
Influenced greatly by artists like The Dillards, The Dubliners and Tom Petty, News From Bree bring old-school rock into the 21st century with a folk twist. Lyrically, ‘Campaign’ follows the fantastical concept of a hero’s un-ending journey through life; however, the lads define themselves as a 21st-century trio by using the contemporary obsession with fantasy-fiction as a core theme. In fact, ‘Campaign’ is influenced by the works of JRR Tolkien and uses the RPG term ‘campaign’ as a song title.
It is true that fantasy-fiction has been a constant in reading circles for a long time, but it is only with the beginning of fantasy video games that the concept truly took flight. I mean, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings was popular in the last few decades of the 1900s, but it is only after the films and video games that it adopted an obsession among people of all ages. Personally, I’m more Harry Potter than Lord of the Rings, but it’s all the same type of addiction at the end of the day.
Now, where was I? Oh yes, News From Bree’s ‘Campaign’.
Showcasing their eclecticism as artists, ‘Campaign’ combines dynamic instrumentation with Samuel’s bold vocals and compelling lyrics. Lyrically, the single touches on elements of weariness, frustration and slight angst; however, it includes underlying bravery and empowerment. The storytelling technique proffers “life’s occasional feeling of unending-ness” in the narrative, but it is far from a dull tale.
Employing simplicity of guitars and a banjo, News From Bree take a person a journey along with their protagonist. Add Samuel’s dulcet tones and warmth is added to the song lulling one into a whimsical swirl of sound. Leaning toward a Mumford and Sons sound, News From Bree have a melodic, flowing single in ‘Campaign’. It’s difficult to describe the emotions associated with this single – and trust me, it is highly emotive and engaging – but the best I could do is this. ‘Campaign’ is not merely a bunch of lyrics with smooth melodies, but a golden string woven into a glittering silver net that you feel overjoyed to see but are also terrified of it disappearing.
For more from News From Bree, check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Bandcamp.
