The Future's So Bright ... Yada Yada

By Lizz Kannenberg in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 24, 2007 9:34PM

Assuming the power comes back on at Schubas by tomorrow evening (and that battle rap isn’t your cup of tea), get ye out to take in the not un-U2-like grandeur of
Brighton, MA. Chief songwriter Matthew Kerstein has been a talent to watch in Chicago since his days in Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, and he’s stepped into his creative happy place on Brighton’s debut EP on Loose Tooth Records. The songs are expansive without losing intimacy, and the talented group of musicians behind Kerstein makes for a pretty captivating live show. Though there’s no real hint of alt-country in Kerstein’s songs, there’s something distinctly “Americana” about this music - it feels homey and familiar in the same way it does to play Blood On The Tracks or The Joshua Tree on vinyl. There’s a warmth that Brighton, MA manages to translate on tape but which is best appreciated in the live setting. Big things are definitely expected of the band in the coming months, and they (rightfully) don’t seem too concerned about their ability to delivery.

So take our word for it and check ‘em out tomorrow night, if the lights are back on. Which reminds us - if you were all geeking to go to the Puppini Sisters at Schubas tonight, it’s been moved to Martyrs.

Brighton, MA plays Schubas Saturday night | 10pm | $10