The Brothers Union's Silhouettes EP Review
The cover for The Brothers Union’s alt-rock EP, ‘Silhouettes.’

Band: The Brothers Union; Mike O’Reilly: guitar and vocals; and Sean O’Reilly: bass and vocals’ Alec Wagstaff: drums; and Jon Wagstaff: guitar

EP: ‘Silhouettes;’ Mixed and mastered by Tim Pannella

Maintaining a common purpose and camaraderie in any relationship can be a continuous struggle for anyone. That process can be even more challenging for siblings and life-long friends who decide to work together. The Asbury Park, New Jersey-based band, The Brothers Union, has found a way to overcome their differences in order to present a united front and a captivating, unique product. The quartet features a lineup that includes two sets of siblings-Mike and Sean O’Reilly and Alec and Jon Wagstaff-who have who have known each other and been friends on and off since elementary school.

The group, which formed in 2016, is passionately following up on its established core vibe as soulful songwriters with powerful emotive vocals that are driven by dynamic electric guitars. The musicians prove what stunning talent and confidence they have by taking a fascinating acoustic detour on their latest two song EP, ‘Silhouettes,’ which is set to be released on May 14. The EP is a preview of the band’s upcoming CD, which is scheduled to debut in late summer.

‘Silhouettes’ begins with the stunning entry, ‘Bluebird,’ which is one of the best songs of any genre to be released this year. ‘Bluebird’ is the rare track that instantly proves the unrivaled, natural talent the musicians have within the first few moments of its vocals and instrumentation. The career-defining tune, which has the potential to bring nationwide success and recognition to The Brothers Union, was written by Mike, who emotes stunning vulnerability and emotion in his vocals and lyrics.

Guided by an alluring strumming of the guitar, the track would be the perfect backdrop in a romantic movie scene or wedding, as the singer proclaims that his luckiest days are when he’s with the person he loves. He adds that he hopes she’s with him when they grow old, and the crossing of their paths was like destiny.

‘Bluebird’ then delves into ‘Another Remedy,’ which features the same sentimental vocals. Written by Sean, the soulful song continues The Brothers’ Union’s inspirational, uplifting and enthralling lyrics and guitar riffs. Sean’s spirited vocal harmony drives the narrative of a man debating whether he can have faith in anything good when the worst in life is happening, but he ultimately declares that he can hold on. The musician wishes to remain optimistic, even during his most troubling times, as he wishes to believe that things are always improving.

Upholding a common purpose and camaraderie in any relationship can be a continuous struggle for anyone. That process can be even more challenging for siblings and life-long friends who decide to work together. But the members of The Brothers Union have found a way to overcome their differences in order to present a united front and emotionally unique tracks. The quartet has once again infused soulful lyrics, emotive vocals and dynamic guitar riffs into their powerful tunes. The musicians prove what stunning talent and confidence they have on ‘Silhouettes,’ which has the potential to bring nationwide success and recognition to the band.

For more information on The Brothers Union, visit the band’s Bandcamp, Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Facebook and Instagram pages.

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The Brothers Union's alt-rock EP, 'Silhouettes'
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By Karen Benardello

As a graduate of LIU Post with a B.F.A in Journalism, Print and Electronic, Karen Benardello serves as ShockYa's Senior Movies & Television Editor. Her duties include interviewing filmmakers and musicians, and scribing movie, television and music reviews and news articles. As a New York City-area based journalist, she's a member of the guilds, New York Film Critics Online and the Women Film Critics Circle.

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