(Western Soul Records)

Down In Flames is Oklahoma native and Austin transplant, Brandon Jenkin's sixth release. Over the years and along the way, Brandon's been recognized as one of the top singer/songwriters around, putting out one solid album after another. His musical style is solidly Red Dirt, that elusive sound that's nearly impossible to classify. It sounds country, but then again, not entirely. The sound combines a country sound, along with bluegrass, rock, blues and folk that translates into a genre transcending style. That best describes Brandon, his music can't be pigeonholed into any one particular style.

What sets Down In Flames apart from his previous albums is that, as Brandon says, he did this one his way. On his earlier releases, as with most artists, he had to answer to others who were funding his efforts which ultimately means compromise in some form. After 14 years, Brandon decided it was time to risk it all, he started his own label and Down In Flames is the result- 100% Brandon. Another thing that changed is, for the first time, he recorded with his own band made up of long time friends, David Teegarden Jr.(drums), Soupbone (lead guitar) and Joey Trevino (bass).

Brandon, both powerfully and passionately, makes his statement about putting it all on the line in outstanding fashion in album's title track, "Down In Flames," which is also appropriately, the album's lead off single. The edgy "The Whole World's Gone Crazy," was written after 9/11 and conveys a person trying to find and hang onto some shred of sanity amidst overwhelming paranoia. "Red Dirt Town," co-written with John Cooper and Brad Piccolo (of The Red Dirt Rangers), is a dusty autobiographical tale about the initial excitement about leaving home that eventually gives way to homesickness. "After All This Time" explores the memories and passion of a first love that's long been over yet still influences every relationship that's come after.

Down In Flames takes a dark turn mid-way through. "Again" tells of overcoming addiction and struggling with the knowledge it's always lurking just below the surface. The dark, ominous "Out Of Control" combines bluesy guitar with dusty western undertones that frames this powerful song, a tale of a life careening out of control and the ensuing feelings of helplessness to stop it. "Gypsy Angel" is a soulfully beautiful ballad about finding a ray of light and the hope it's the guiding light out of the darkness. A highlight is "Finger On The Trigger," a desperate, hard-hitting glimpse at a man teetering on the edge due to the culmination of hard luck, bad decisions and stormy relationships. Another standout is the powerful "The Maker," a passionately soulful, bluesy ballad that contemplates a crime of passion. All the songs on Down In Flame are placed in an order that tells a story, stringing together glimpses of life's ups and downs and the tension builds to a crescendo with "The Maker." Brandon chose to close out the album with an upbeat Tex-Mex melody, "Just Dance," which sends the message that no matter how bad things seem- do something that'll make you feel better, even if only for a little while.

Brandon Jenkins took the gamble and put everything he's worked for all these years on the line by making the decision to go it completely on his own. Down In Flames proves he made the right choice. It's his most honest, personal and strongest effort to date. Although his songs veer towards the darker side of life, he sticks to mostly mid and up-tempo melodies that express that edgy darkness but masterfully avoid being outright depressing. Using his own band also paid off. Not only are they terrific musicians, but they're on the same page as Brandon, providing the perfect framework to his songs. The sum of all the parts add up to a powerful statement that contrary to the album's title, shows Brandon continues on his way up.    

Standout Tracks: "Down In Flames," "The Whole World's Gone Crazy," "Again," "Out Of Control," Gypsy Angel," Finger On The Trigger," "The Maker"

On The Net:  www.brandonjenkins.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack October 2004

Read TCB's other reviews of Brandon Jenkins:

 http://www.takecountryback.com/quickpicks/qp-bjnov03.htm

http://takecountryback.com/reviews/westrev0503.htm