James Bruner – ‘Can’t Keep Wanting You’

(Maroon Records)

There are some records that immediately transport you to a particular place and time, and James Bruner’s Can’t Keep Wanting You is one of those albums. This is rock music with its roots firmly planted in the past, but it has enough modern energy, swagger and pop sensibility to prevent it from becoming nothing more than a nostalgia trip. What we have here is a confident collection that sits somewhere between alternative rock, pop rock and classic rock, with an obvious affection for the golden age of guitar-driven music.

And yes, there is one name that repeatedly springs to mind while listening to this album – Lenny Kravitz.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it is one of the album's greatest strengths. Bruner clearly understands the appeal of that combination of funky groove, classic rock guitar, soulful vocals and effortlessly cool attitude. There is a real swagger running through Can’t Keep Wanting You, and rather than trying to sound like every other modern rock act, Bruner embraces those classic influences and moulds them into something that feels very much his own.

The album comes across as the work of an artist who genuinely loves rock music. There is no sense of chasing whatever happens to be fashionable at the moment. Instead, Bruner draws from a much broader musical palette, combining the rawness of classic rock with the accessibility of pop and the slightly left-of-centre character of alternative rock. It makes for an album that is incredibly easy to listen to while still having plenty of personality.

One of the most impressive aspects of the record is its balance. There are plenty of guitars here, but this isn't an album that simply throws riffs at the listener for the sake of sounding heavy. The guitar work has groove, attitude and melody. There is a looseness to the playing that gives the songs a wonderfully organic feel, something that can occasionally be missing from modern rock productions.

That classic rock influence is particularly important. You can hear echoes of the Seventies and Eighties in the songwriting and arrangements, but Bruner doesn't become trapped by those influences. There is a contemporary sheen around the material, giving the album a freshness that stops it sounding like an exercise in retro worship.

The result is rock music with plenty of hooks.

And those hooks are absolutely central to Can’t Keep Wanting You. Bruner understands that great rock songs don't necessarily need to be complicated. A strong melody, a memorable chorus, a groove that makes you want to move and a vocal performance with personality can go an awfully long way. This album repeatedly demonstrates that philosophy.

There is also a pleasing variety in the overall mood. At times the record is energetic and swaggering, while elsewhere it becomes more reflective and melodic. That variation gives the album room to breathe and prevents the listener from feeling like they're hearing the same song repeated twelve times. The pop rock elements are particularly effective in making the material accessible without stripping away its rock credentials.

Vocally, Bruner has the sort of presence that suits this material perfectly. There is attitude without unnecessary theatrics, and a certain laid-back confidence that fits the classic rock foundations beautifully. He doesn't need to over-sing everything. Instead, there is an understated coolness to the delivery that complements the grooves and guitar work.

Production-wise, Can’t Keep Wanting You also benefits from sounding like a real rock record. Producer Shane Weisman and Bruner built the record around a shared Fender Stratocaster, with the album's sound initially inspired by the raw edge and swagger of Lenny Kravitz. That guitar-led approach is evident throughout, giving the record a warm, muscular character rather than an overly polished, sterile feel.

What really comes through, though, is personality. There is a sense that Bruner isn't simply attempting to recreate the music he grew up loving. He is taking those influences, mixing them with his own experiences and modern songwriting instincts, and creating something that sits comfortably between classic and contemporary rock.

For me, that's what makes Can’t Keep Wanting You work so well.

This is an album for listeners who miss rock music having a bit of attitude. It isn't afraid of melody, it isn't afraid of pop sensibilities and it certainly isn't afraid of wearing its classic rock influences proudly. Yet despite all of that, it never feels completely stuck in the past.

James Bruner has delivered a record that is catchy, confident, guitar-driven and packed with personality. The Lenny Kravitz comparisons are impossible to ignore, but rather than feeling like a cheap imitation, they provide an interesting starting point from which Bruner establishes his own musical identity.

Can’t Keep Wanting You is an enjoyable and highly accessible slice of modern rock that should appeal to fans of classic rock, alternative rock and melodic pop rock alike. It has groove, it has hooks, it has guitars and, most importantly, it has attitude.

A very promising debut from an artist who clearly understands what makes rock music so much fun.

‘Show Me The Way’, a strong way to kick things off, immediately establishing the album's classic rock foundations. There is plenty of guitar-driven attitude here, but also a melodic accessibility that keeps everything incredibly easy on the ear. Bruner sounds confident and assured, setting the tone nicely for what follows.

‘Can’t Keep Wanting You’, the title track brings plenty of groove and swagger, with that unmistakable Lenny Kravitz influence coming through strongly. There is a wonderfully relaxed quality to the performance, while the melody gives it plenty of staying power. Cool, catchy and packed with rock attitude.

‘Hypnotised’, a smooth, slightly seductive number with a laid-back groove running throughout. The alternative rock touches work particularly well here, giving the song a little more character than straightforward pop rock. It's an easy song to get lost in, with Bruner's vocals adding plenty of personality.

‘Shine’, bright, uplifting and melodic, this is one of those feel-good moments that immediately puts a smile on your face. The combination of guitars and infectious songwriting works beautifully, while the classic rock influences give the song plenty of substance underneath its accessible exterior.

‘Don’t Wanna Be Late’, a punchier affair with a good dose of rock 'n' roll energy. There is an urgency to the performance that gives the song plenty of momentum, while the hook ensures it remains firmly lodged in the memory. Straightforward, enjoyable rock done very well.

‘SMS’, a fun, modern-sounding number that shows Bruner isn't afraid to bring contemporary ideas into his classic rock framework. There is plenty of groove and personality here, making it another highly accessible addition to the album.

‘It’s Too Late’, things take a slightly more reflective turn here, with a strong emotional quality running through the songwriting. The melodic side of Bruner's music comes to the forefront, while the rock elements stop it becoming overly sentimental.

‘Wish I Could Stay’, another melodic highlight, built around a wonderfully heartfelt atmosphere. There is a sense of longing running through the performance, and Bruner delivers it with just the right amount of emotion. A very likeable piece of melodic rock.

‘OMG’, This one brings the attitude! Fun, energetic and slightly cheeky, it has a real swagger about it. The guitars have plenty of bite and the vocal delivery fits the song perfectly. A great example of Bruner's ability to keep things entertaining.

‘Only You’, a more straightforward melodic rock number that focuses heavily on melody and emotion. The songwriting is simple but effective, with a chorus that feels tailor-made for singing along to. Classic rock sensibilities meet modern accessibility.

‘Getaway’, a lively, energetic track that feels tailor-made for turning up loud. There is a real sense of freedom and movement here, with the guitars providing plenty of drive. One of the album's more instantly enjoyable rockers.

‘Take It Or Leave It’, a fitting way to close the album, bringing together the rock, pop and alternative influences that have defined the record. Confident and catchy, it leaves the listener with a positive impression and reinforces the fact that James Bruner has plenty of potential.

Can’t Keep Wanting You is a hugely enjoyable slice of guitar-driven rock that successfully blends classic rock attitude with alternative and pop rock accessibility. James Bruner clearly knows his musical history, and those Lenny Kravitz influences are impossible to miss, but rather than simply copying the master, he uses those influences as the foundation for his own sound. There’s groove, melody, swagger and plenty of hooks throughout, making this a very easy album to enjoy. If you like your rock with a healthy dose of classic influences and a modern edge, James Bruner is definitely an artist worth keeping an eye on.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Take It Or Leave It’

Review by Woody