Note: This review originally appeared in the Illinois Entertainer in 2006.
Guitarist-vocalist Andy Chase describes his side project Brookville as an opportunity to explore new musical territory, but the music on Life In The Shade is strikingly similar to the sophisticated techno pop of Ivy, his regular band. Ivy has always had an energetic side, but on this second outing with Brookville, Chase pretty much sticks with slower material. That limits the CD’s appeal, and it’s hard not to miss the sultry, French-accented vocals of Ivy’s Dominique Durand.
Durand shows up for some backup vocals on “Missed You Again,” but by that point, Chase has already offered too many similar-sounding arrangements. Brazilian Girl vocalist Sabina Sciubba fares better on the breezy romance of “Nothing’s Meant To Last,” while “Golden” benefits from Eric Matthews’s trumpet playing. “Slow Motion Replay” a catchy song featuring Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, gives the easy-going Life In The Shade a needed jolt of energy.
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