On his tenth album, Pennan Brae shows no signs of slowing down. ‘Planted’ stands at ten tracks long, with each piece showcasing the storied artist’s love and capability for scintillating classic rock n roll. Immediately, on the first riff of Space Surf Navigate, you’re compelled to rock out to this time capsule of a record. There’s not an abrasive sense of aggression here, just a very measured and calculated piece of classic rock that draws on influences from The Stones and John Mellencamp to deliver tune after tune of addictively infectious guitar driven rock. Brae’s vocal performance, captivated through constant intonation and an underrated falsetto here and there adds so much depth to each tune. But it’s the guitar work that steals the show, with each song somehow imagining a riff more outlandishly exciting than the last.
The staccato flow on the verse on Beckon Command, the pulsating riff on Space Surf Navigate, and the ethereal chorus on My Spirit Rides each serve as unique compositions that highlights the record’s ability to stick a singular style but bring out niche variations on each arrangement to keep you intrigued. Th e album’s singles then roll out one after the other, bringing to the listener Brae’s song writing talent to continually compose ridiculously catchy rock pop tunes that still hold on to their roots on their sleeve. I find his style best exemplified in the sort of stop-start approach he takes to his beats, a kind of engaging instrumentation that gives you room to take a breath before immediately jumping back into the fray of it all.
If for nothing else, the first volume of The Garden Series highlights that Pennan Brae is very much still sticking to his roots while continually innovating new modes of delivery. With its second half ‘Picked’ scheduled to be released in early 2022, the rock n roll ambassador is sure to bring more exciting tunes that you’d want to hear played at your local bar.