Bristler Melt Hearts and Faces on Debut Album

Coming out of the Asbury Park music scene, Rudy Meier is an accomplished singer and guitarist who’s already left a mark on the alternative rock landscape with his former band Wetbrain. Their two well-received records showcased Meier’s unique melodic voice and innovative approach to music making, drawing inspiration from acts like Pixies, Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse. However, fate took an unexpected turn with the dissolution of Wetbrain and the shelving of their third LP due to the pandemic.

Undeterred by setbacks, Rudy Meier reemerges on the music scene, this time with his new band, Bristler. A decade-long connection with fellow musicians Biff Swenson and Dana Yurcisin, members of the acclaimed Asbury indie rockers Yawn Mower, forms the backbone of Bristler’s lineup. Their collective musical chemistry and shared sonic vision mark a new chapter in Meier’s musical journey.

Now making their entrance as Bristler, the band brings us their debut single titled “Jaguar Shark,” unveiling their sound to the world via an uptempo indie rock outing. Jumping straight in with a lively snapping drum beat as intricate layers of clean guitar tones ride over the warm pulse of bass notes, Rudy Meier’s bright vocal leads gently hover above the energising arrangement to thread smooth melodic leads.

Inspired after watching the Wes Anderson movie The Life Aquatic, his lyrics take cues from oceanographer Steve Zissou’s mission to catch the first glimpse of the fictional Jaguar Shark creature. Driven by the relentless patter of drums and slick instrumental work, “Jaguar Shark” is full of silky melodies and vibrant sonic aesthetic, peppered with superb lead flourishes and spacey stuttered moments. It’s a sensational display of the new band’s thrilling sonic vision and a worthy debut release that delivers the first taste of the Bristler’s brand new debut record, Cascades at Play.

Listen to Jaguar Shark below

Their first full-length album delivers a stunning collection of eight tracks that sees Bristler throw out the songwriting rule book. Meier, who took charge of recording and production in his bedroom, spins expansive soundscapes that wash over the listener with crystal clear detail. The album, true to its title, delivers a cascade of melodically deft and abundantly catchy moments built on Meier’s layered guitar work and the band’s infectious groove.

From the delicate writing and dazzling guitar flutters on “Counterclockwise” to the progressive “Tiny Little Pieces” with it’s rattling electronic percussion and lilting vibe of processed vocal samples and the subtly anthemic sound of synth rock outing “Bank Robber,” the new record presents the full scope of Bristler’s highly original indie rock sound and incredible musicianship that sees them thread engaging songwriting through an experimental lens.

Listen to Cascades At Play below