(January 10, 2007)
Click on the album cover to purchase the album
Tracklist:
1. Searching For Signal
2. This Time Around
3. Too Late
4. I Survived
5. Easier
6. Disconnected
7. February Day
8. Someone Like You
9. Closer To Me
10. Postcards & Memories
11. My Own Way
12. Independence
13. Seven Words Or Less
Keith LuBrant is a singer/songwriter from New Jersey. He writes and performs a blend of pop/rock music that will appeal to fans of Goo Goo Dolls, Honestly, Acceptance, Dashboard Confessional, Sister Hazel, Gin Blossoms, etc. The catchy, powerful and mostly uptempo songs are pleasing and well-written. With clever lyrics and catchy guitar hooks Keith LuBrant is more proof that the NY/NJ/PA (the Greater NYC/Philadelphia area basically) is a great breeding ground for talented singer/songwriters. And Keith LuBrant himself is one of the ones that sticks out.
Searching For Signal
The album opens with Searching For Signal, the title track. This catchy pop/rocker is a very strong opener that sets the mood quite well. Keith LuBrant varies in tempo nicely and this way he creates a dynamic tune that has some very cool hooks. Searching For Signal is a promising start to a promising album.
This Time Around
The drums in This Time Around play an important role. Though they are quite subtle they are the building blocks for this groovy, catchy song. This Time Around is a lot of fun to listen to and would probably make a great live song as well.
Too Late
Too Late is an absolute radio single candidate. Apart from being extremely catchy, the song has great vocals and a very recognizable sound without sounding like something you've heard a million times before. It's one of those songs you can play over and over again without getting bored with it. And the lyrics are pretty nice too. ("And all this time/I guess I can't explain/That I wanna feel/What everybody can taste")
I Survived
The next song on the album, I Survived, has some great guitar work and very strong vocals that slightly remind me of Dylan in his prime. Also reminded me a little bit of Rosemary's Sons, with it's gritty/rootsy underlaying sound. Lyrically this is another very strong song ("Solitude is my way to do it/The thing is how to deep inside my life/But about now it's time/For you to see/That I survived"). It's basically a pop song, but it sure rocks!
Easier
This song reminds me of another song, but for the life of me, I can't think of what song that would be. The mellower sound contrasted by some creative guitar work in the middle of the song and the lush vocals give this song a really laid-back feeling, even though the fast-paced vocals give it good tempo and energy.
Disconnected
Disconnected is one of the most rocking songs in the spirit of other singer/songwriters like JJ Appleton, Patrick Ryan Clark, Steve Bertrand & Chad Perrone. Like most of these, Keith LuBrant is a strong songwriter melodically but he also proves that rhythmically he can write a very tight and strong tune. I noticed myself moving along to the rhythm of the song. It has catchy guitar hooks and absolutely great energy. This would be another good radio song.
February Day
I was immediately drawn to February Day the first time I listened to it. It has a good beat throughout the song that gives it a steady feel. It has a slight edge (like, for example, Dashboard Confessional songs) that works quite well for it. Vocally it's not the best song on the album, but the rougher, raspier vocals actually kinda fit with the music. In a way it makes the song more energetic and pure. And I think it would be a blast to play this song live, as well as to hear it live. It has some great guitar hooks and carries along pretty nicely.
Someone Like You
The slower Someone Like You shows a gentle side of Keith LuBrant. This wonderful ballad is one of the ultimate highlights of the song. The passionate and devoted vocals combined with the beautiful music arrangement (the keys are a nice touch) that has a bit of a bluesy/rootsy/folky feel at times, turn this song into a precious musical gem. Without a doubt my favorite song on "Searching For Signal".
Closer To Me
Closer To Me is another extremely catchy song with amazing guitar work at times. Together with the powerpop vocals and the strong drumming, this song has a good rock feel to it. I feel strongly about this song being a radio release as it sounds quite original yet familiar and is catchier than some of the songs that we hear on radio these days. Besides, it's just a lot better than a lot of the things that radio makes us listen to lately. The energy and passion in this song make it sound better every time you hear it.
Postcards & Memories
I really like this song. It has a bit of an alternative pop feel and is extremely catchy, like most of Keith LuBrant's songs. And in the 2nd half of the song Keith LuBrant isn't afraid of including a bold guitar solo, something too few pop artists have the guts to do. It shows that Keith LuBrant can do more than just write and play a great tune; He's also a great guitarist. Guest vocalist Mike Viola does a great job on this song too.
My Own Way
The playful, country/bluegrass-influenced My Own Way is amazing. The great guitar work and powerful, clear vocals are a music experience that shows a slightly different side of Keith LuBrant. This song just breathes fun, music, enthusiasm, passion and did I mention fun. You cannot honestly tell me you can listen to this song without getting a smile on your face. It's a great song to make you feel better. I promise.
Independence
Independence is another rocker. It's a foot-tapper. Though it's not my favorite, nor the best song on "Searching For Signal", it does show some of the album's best guitar work. Keith LuBrant shows to be a good songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist all over the album, but this song's strongest features are in the guitar playing.
Seven Words Or Less
The album ends with another wonderful song. Seven Words or Less with it's uptempo vocals and excellent acoustic guitar work and it's stripped down feel are a perfect way to end this wonderful album. The strong vocals and clever lyrics are the basis of this strong ending of the album. Keith LuBrant's 2nd album, "Searching For Signal" is a true work of musicianship that shows talent and promises great things for this singer/songwriter.
With "Searching For Signal", Keith LuBrant released a very promising album that shows plenty of radio potential. His clever lyrics and catchy tunes, driven by his energetic vocals and strong instrumentals are complete packages that are waiting for listeners. The well-crafted songs earn him a place amongst some of the best indie artists like Chad Perrone, JJ Appleton, John Taglieri, and formerly Honestly. All of these people/bands are able to create pop & rock song that you can 'feel' and that have the energy, passion and conviction to get you involved. Keith LuBrant is a someone that deserves to be heard!