Description

When Dramarama broke up in 1994, most assumed that it would be the last we would hear from these gifted musicians. Luckily, John Easdale decided to keep recording, and Bright Side was released shortly after. This is strong stuff; Easdale has an uncanny ear for good hooks and memorable lyrics. His fragile voice is reminiscent of Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner, but Easdale uses it in an entirely different way. From the ’60s pop of “13th Summer Day” to the angry hard rock of “Breaking Things,” Easdale proves that he is a far more versatile and interesting musician than one would expect. The gentle swagger of the title track is the highlight, a tale of broken hearts and redemption in Los Angeles. But his sweet, Stones-influenced ballads are equally good; both “Ecstatic” and “Drown” are heart-wrenching yet wonderful. This is wonderful rock music that deserves a large audience.

Excerpted from Bradley Torreano, AllMusic

1. Call Me Dave

2. Bright Side

3. 13th Summer Day

4. Waiting (For That Sound)

5. Drown

6. Breaking Things

7. Rollerskating on Rattlesnakes

8. Ecstatic

9. (It’s Been A) Couple of Years

10. Just Because

11. Don’t Ask Me

12. Piss Take