Bryan Howell returns with new studio album

Originally hailing from central New York and now based in Nashville, Bryan Howell has spent more than a decade developing a sound that brings together the energy of rock n’ roll with the grit and storytelling stylings of alternative country. A singer-songwriter and guitarist, he’s built his musical output around expressive vocals, melodic hooks and an energy that gives his work a thoroughly organic tone.

First introducing his music in 2013 with the EP Lightning Through My Soul, followed by the full-length record Take the Risk in 2016, Bryan has continued to develop his sonic offering, even after taking a creative hiatus that temporarily stepped him away from releasing new material. His return began in 2020 with a run of singles, eventually leading to the arrival of his recent sophomore album titled Shouting Back At The Brink.

The record marks an exciting step forward, reflecting a songwriter with a desire to explore new studio textures while holding onto the qualities that first rippled throughout his music. Bryan’s songs are built around energy, conviction and the type of performances that flow from the recording studio to the stage in spectacular fashion. When music can sometimes feel shaped more by social media algorithms than by genuine connections with listeners, Bryan’s sound places the emphasis firmly back on the songs themselves. His work stands apart from the disposable nature of music designed to capture a passing moment, offering instead a record driven by musicianship flair, personality and the belief that a song should retain its impact when performed live.

Opening track “Still Hungry” makes the record’s intentions readily apparent, where a Morse-code-like guitar beep locks into the beat, setting up an introduction that rolls with the twang of grooving guitar chords, expressive vocal leads, bouncy drums and warm organ textures. Flowing with bright piano elements and instantly catchy blues rock energy, it’s an epic curtain raiser that puts Bryan’s timeless songwriting and thrilling performance panache on full display.

The album moves into the robust guitar work of “An Untamed Heart” and where slick riffs and wailing guitar solos provide the backdrop for a chorus brimming with soul and built to leave an impression. “Shaky Games” lands with crunch of guitar chords as pattering percussion and pulsing bass underpins Bryan’s voice as he enters with “I’m in a rut of my own design, digging for oil when the well is dry,” resulting in an enthralling slice of pop-tinged rock n’ roll music packed full of memorable hooks and lively instrumentation.

“Just To Fade Away” showcases his musical range, revealing the tender side of his musical vision with a tender outing that glides with the lilting rhythmic sway of gentle bass, tapped percussion and warm bass notes capped by laid back vocals carrying heartfelt lyricism. “Written In The Sand” forms with a grooving riff-driven guitar as punchy drums ushers in Bryan’s bright vocal leads which float above the building arrangement of stretched organ textures and gritty guitars.

With “Like Summer Thunder,” the crash of drums and stacks of instrumentation rolls into a charming scene of uptempo energy and storytelling lyrics as fluttering piano notes dance alongside Bryan’s compelling vocals, offering an instantly catchy pop rock anthem. “Through The Darkness” follows with fuzzy guitar notes as sweeping instrumental elements and shuffling drums are met by commanding vocals to deliver a superb musical moment that’s impossible not to love.

“Warren County Line” takes that energy somewhere more unpredictable by drawing on rockabilly and honky-tonk influences, with its fast-moving arrangement matching lyrics that take a pointed, winking approach to small-town police harassment. Closing song “Holding Out For Answers” trades the bigger guitar energy for exposed lyrics and intricate arrangement, presenting a dreamy and intimate finale to the album via a delightful track that builds from drifting atmosphere towards a grooving folk rock sound.

Bryan is joined on the record by a studio band featuring some of Nashville’s accomplished players including Troy Atkins of DeRobert and the Half Truths, Wes Burkhart, whose work includes Dee White and Paul Bogart, and Eric Robert, associated with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Randy Houser. With Shouting Back At The Brink, Bryan Howell brings together the strengths of a singer, songwriter and guitarist who’s continued to develop through years of work, resulting in an album that embraces rock’s energy to deliver an enduring and engaging musical work.

Listen to Shouting Back At The Brink below