Alex Brenchley has released his new album ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’. ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, was the idea of Songbook, a crowdfunding music company. The concept was an EP of The Beach Boys covers, giving Alex Brenchley the opportunity to revel in their songwriting genius. Sparked by Dutch director Arthur Petri requesting a cover by Brenchley of ‘God Only Knows’ as an engagement present, this fun project has resulted in simple indie-pop re-imaginings of the songs. London based artist and musician Alex Brenchley was recently awarded the Mayor of London award for emerging artists after releasing his debut album ‘Daylight Snobbery’ in 2019. He has performed and exhibited at some of London’s finest venues including St Pancras Old Church, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Roundhouse and the Barbican Art Gallery and has worked with artists including Noah and the Whale and Tom Rosenthal.
Alex Brenchley takes some of The Beach Boys classics and puts his own unique twist to them. His smooth vocals and luscious pop persona makes ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ a sweet and radiant EP. Title track ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ takes a more tropical tone than the original with the percussion. However the song is presented instrumentally sparse allowing that catchy melody and a jangly guitar refrain emphasize the songs beauty.
Brenchley presents each track wonderfully; highlighting the melodies and exposing the beautiful vocal and lyrical core. ‘Heroes & Villains’ is a fine example of this. Brenchley strips back the rock ‘n’ roll bop while maintaining The Beach Boys harmonic bridge and building on it – decorating it with soft guitar twinkles and lush vocals while horn melodies glimmer between the lush harmonies and elegant soundscape.
‘I Just Wasn’t Made for These TImes’ is another sweet stripped back rendition of the original. Brenchley chooses ‘Your Summer Dream’ to bring this collection to an end. Taking the dreamy doo-wop track and mellowing it out into a chill-time classic with delicate guitar and easy going soundscapes.
Alex Brenchley provides another insight into the wonderful tunes of The Beach Boys by putting his laid back and melodic stamp on them. Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ is a charming and lush collection of tracks.
Stream ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ below
Author : Danu
