For anyone that has seen Brawlers live, you’ll know that from the moment they step on stage you become completely engrossed in their perfect mix of energy, quirkiness and passion. ‘Romantic Errors of Our Youth’, the debut album from the Leeds based four piece, is no different. Laced with intoxicatingly honest lyrics and coated in riffs from start to finish, this record combines the best parts of all the bands that soundtracked the early 00’s and there’s no doubt it will be played on repeat for quite some time.
‘Annabel’ is a powerhouse. Short, sweet and the perfect set up for the record. It’s not only a great introduction to ‘Romantic Errors Of Our Youth’, but it completely embodies everything that Brawlers stand for. ‘Drink and Dial’ has the hint of a Say Anything song but with the English ballsy attitude that carries itself throughout the rest of the record in the best way. It truly is no surprise that this band are starting to get taken very seriously very quickly, as the album continues to throw out song after song that you can imagine crowds singing back at them with just as much conviction as they’re sung with.
The great thing about this record though, is the fact that it can fall into so many categories. Despite the definitive punk sound that Brawlers convey, there is truly something about their sound that would enable them to become favourites in anyone’s playlist and it’s one of the many things that makes this album so great. Listen to ‘Windowmisser’ for example and you’ll be able to fully envision it being blasted out of a car on a summer’s drive but at the same time, it wouldn’t be out of place fuelling the bitter soundtrack of a breakup.
The final track, ‘Romantic Errors’ is an anthemic closer that leaves you with the feeling that you wish there was more to this record, but it also leaves you with the confidence that Brawlers will definitely be delivering that very soon. They’re worth every bit of attention they’re getting.
SAM LITTLE