Dolan Brotherhood – Love and Hurricanes

“Love and Hurricanes,” is the name of the album for this somewhat new band called Dolan Brotherhood. The band has been together for a little over two year years now, and this is their first studio album, which was produced by Billy Sherwood. It’s a compilation of six songs that showcases all of the influences that these guys have not only as individuals, but as a band as well. Arnold Sears is the front man of this group, who’s also a true powerhouse of a singer. He has a soulful and passionate tone to his singing, and the group is actually a sort of tribute band to friend and fellow musician Frank Dolan, who had passed from esophageal cancer back in 2011. The more i read about the Dolan Brotherhood and listen to their music, the more I learn to appreciate what these guys are doing.

“Deliver That Vibe” is the motto of the group, which takes on many different meanings depending on which member you ask. From what I gather it’s basically just keeping the attitude of being real, with a feeling of raw flow that you get when you start to make some music that really hits home for yourself. Being yourself and letting everything else come to life naturally, and not forcing anything to come your way. “Show Me The Way,” is the opener to this album, and what an opener it is. Seems to me that it’s like falling for something new, and not knowing how to go about things yet still giving it everything that you’ve got, with hints of border line frustration and discontentment.

“The Sky Is Falling” is the second song to this album. It seems to give off remorse and regret with a sort of acceptance, with much reliability behind the guitar riffs of power that just oozes the pain so well, along with the strength of self-redemption. “The Promise,” comes off heavy and strong, much like many promises that are made with new people, or old friends. It seems to be related with a relationship of promising each other things that they both know might not last. Filled with passion and intensity as it should be with a song of this caliber. It includes heavy guitar riffs and solos to maybe emphasize the pain behind those promises. This being my favorite song of the album. You can really feel the energy of the band come together with this number. “New Lights Burn,” is sort of the aftermath of the promises that were made in the past. The last little flicker of a passion that used to burn with a vengeance of a thousand suns. I get the feeling that it’s a sort of wish you the best of luck kind of track. The song strikes me as a pinch bit bitter for the ex-lovers happiness. It emanates the slow heaviness and self-awareness and moving on, it’s powerful both in form and input.

“The Lesson,” might just be exactly that, a lesson learned through trials and tribulations, a way to move forward into the next thing of your life. It starts off as somewhat somber, then progresses into a somewhat motivational tone of persistence. Like a fresh breath of air after a long waging battle that takes place in one’s soul. Towards the tail end of the song it picks up into a reinvigorated flame that starts its embers anew. A very free flowing song of one solid flow after another.

“One New Year’s Day,” is the final song of the album. This is the finisher of the album, wrapping up all of the heartfelt emotions that occur when times get difficult. Feelings of abandonment, running away from insecurities, and then finally rising to the top again once the storm has settled. I see it as a healthy reflection, a sort of look back and laugh kinda song, seeing how strong you’ve become as a person to endure what you did. It’s a nice final touch to this album.

The Dolan Brotherhood have a very promising career ahead of them. Especially if they keep this sort of earnestness and drive in their song writing and playing. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting these guys, and what a fun bunch of guys they are, they love what they do and their fans take note of that energy. This album is their way of showcasing their influences with what they grew up, and paying tribute to their friend that’s passed and continues to inspire them as artists. I am looking forward to what The Dolan Brotherhood have in store for the future. If you’re a fan, new or old, be sure to check these guys out!