Full Review

The Ries Brothers, Strange Times Review

The Ries Brothers, a sibling duo that’s been steadily capturing the music scene’s attention, have unleashed a fresh serving of their signature eclectic sound with their new single, “Strange Times” – a track that is as gripping and explosive as it is profoundly relatable. On their latest single, the duet offers a path that is both a cathartic release and an indication of their musical evolution.

“Strange Times” begins with an engaging guitar figure from Kevin Ries, combining a twangy and crunchy charm with a distorted bite that immediately sets the stage for the track’s heavier tones. As the heavy rock backbeat propels the song forward, Charlie Ries’ attitudinal vocals guide us through the verse, injecting a dose of raw, unfiltered emotion into the mix.

The verses and chorus are seamlessly glued together by Kevin’s hip guitar lick, a testament to the duo’s knack for creating a fluid, cohesive sound. Charlie’s impressive multi-tasking ability has him handling the lead vocals while providing a rock-solid rhythm on the drums and deftly playing keyboard bass. Kevin wields his guitar with a fervor that can only be described as life-dependent. The result is an unbreakable groove that is unique to the duo.

Shot in the soul-stirring backdrop of New Orleans, the official “Strange Times” video is a visual feast that harmonizes perfectly with the track’s musical intensity. The Ries Brothers infuse their music with a cathartic sense of release while showcasing their heftier, more robust sonic direction. The video was directed by Raphael Del Toro.

Echoing a strong ’70s rock attitude with a generous touch of soulful pop, “Strange Times” conveys the duo’s versatile, genre-blending music. Their sound, a melting pot of rock, blues, funk, and reggae, is imbued with sophisticated soulfulness and echoes influences from Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gary Clark Jr., and Sublime. This sound is unmistakably the Ries Brothers – a unique groove that only a closely-knit duo like them could produce.

Kevin’s fiery guitar work is a highlight of the track, building to a climactic end that adds a perfect finish to this solid outing. It’s a testament to the brothers’ innovative approach to music, perfectly balancing their raw energy with a sophisticated understanding of their craft.

Their latest single follows the release of “Your Friday Night,” a vibey homage to the weekend that hinted at the duo’s further exploration into soul and pop elements. “Strange Times” builds upon that foundation, solidifying The Ries Brothers’ ever-expanding sonic signature. It’s a sound that is both refreshing and familiar, novel yet deeply rooted in the music that has inspired them.

The Ries Brothers are making waves with each gig, amassing millions of streams and collaborating with icons in the music industry. Their family’s rich musical heritage, from performing in the Chicago Symphony to backing legends like The Jackson Five and Sonny and Cher, continues to resonate in their work, adding an additional layer of depth to their tracks.

As they kick off their Rock and Soul Summer Tour, with stops in New York City, Washington D.C., and beyond, it’s clear that the Ries Brothers are just getting started. Their captivating stage presence and innovative approach to music promise a bright future for this duo.

Overall, “Strange Times” is an aural journey that reflects the Ries Brothers’ ongoing musical evolution. It’s a track that revels in its rich influences while pushing boundaries, offering listeners a taste of what’s yet to come from this dynamic duo. This song shows their musical ingenuity and marks their promising journey ahead in the music world. That’s the short of it!