Following the release of their hope-filled single “New Days,” Brightshine, the California-based improvisational rock quartet, has released their sophomore album The Wire. Written during the height of the pandemic, the album is a poignant and emotional piece that serves as an intriguing follow-up to their first LP Shadows in the Sky.
The Wire includes a stunning range of emotions in every song, with standouts like “New Days” serving as a hopeful message of new possibilities even in the midst of chaos. Others such as “Until We Fall” stand as thought-provoking ballads inspired by the isolation imposed by COVID-19 and the impact that had on the band’s singer, songwriter, producer, and lead guitarist Pete Sawyer. And, boasting a Zeppelin-like groove, Brightshine’s newest single “Arrow In The Dark” leaves listeners feeling seen, no matter what may be going on in the world around them.
About the album, Sawyer shares:
“Writing during quarantine with no other creative outlet and no interaction with the outside world had the effect of making songwriting my first priority. The lyrics inhabit all the emotions I went through in 2020 and 2021 and draw from the experiences of my friends as well. I have to say that while I would never choose it, it is fascinating to see who we are if you strip all in-person contact with the outside world away. Whatever that was and is for me, it is in this batch of songs!”
Along with the album Brightshine has also released the official music video for “Arrow In The Dark,” giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the band recording the song in the studio. The group’s palpable chemistry comes through radiantly in this visual, with their electrifying passion for music jumping off the screen in each frame.
Exploring both the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit, The Wire is an innovative and thought-provoking album that encourages listeners to persevere through life’s ups and downs. This past weekend, to celebrate its release, the band performed a spectacular show at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California, co-headlining with Sawyer’s Grateful Dead tribute band The Left Hand Monkey Wrench Gang. Brightshine’s on-stage presence was electrifying, as their live performance conveyed all of the complex emotions that shape their sophomore project.
Founded in 2019, Brightshine is formed by Pete Sawyer, Celso Alberti, Eric Levy, Paul Rustigian, Murph Murphy, and Mario Caycedo. With hints of musical influences from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Tom Petty, the band’s irresistible style of improvisational rock, fueled by insightful lyrics and infectious melodies, is one of a kind.
Purchase The Wire though the band’s Kickstarter page. Stream The Wire on all major streaming platforms. Watch the official music video for “Arrow In The Dark” below:
[Sponsored content: Brightshine is a JamBase client.]
