BRASS OWL

On June 22nd 2018 BRASS OWL will release their self-titled EP. The band’s blend of stoner, psychedelic and heavy metal is highly recommended for fans of Corrosion of Conformity, ZZ Top, Cream and Pride And Glory.

About BRASS OWL:

Formed in the conservative world of southern Ohio, Brass Owl has never been a typical band. With a bonafide shred master on guitar, an award winning session drummer and a bassist with a distinctive retro style this power trio is poised to take over the scene. Their jam oriented sound isn’t just a testament to the bands past accomplishments, but also reflects how tightly they have gelled as a unit. Their music is reflective of a lifetime of playing music a deep understanding of rock and roll. With a new record coming out soon, one can’t help but to get excited for what these Ohio boys are going to be pulling out of their hats next.

The mastermind behind this project, Brian Tarter is thrilled to finally have a band where he has embraced being both lyricist and vocalist. This music gives him a platform to not only show off his Steve Vai approved licks (Tarter performed with Vai after winning a shred contest in the 90s) but also bring his songwriting to a new level. The band act as a tight unit combining all manner of musical ideas through a unique blend of jaw dropping hooks and thrilling, largely improvised solos. Avoiding both tired stoned rock and roll cliches and maintaining a concise approach to songwriting, Brass Owl aspire to be a new kind of jam band.

Brass Owl is a band who have not only paid their dues, they have nearly a centuries worth of experience between the three of them. They are ready now to go out once more and claim the hearts of a legion of fans. With a sound that appeals to everyone from modern rockers to stoners, classic rock maniacs to acid jazz heads, Brass Owl are unafraid to push the boundaries. This is not just another jam band, this is a group with a distinct artistic vision, a motivated team, and the passion, combined with the know how to go far beyond the dives they cut their teeth in.

Lonnie Buckley Drums
Brian Tarter Guitar / Vocals
Greg Skinner Bass - Pete

If you like jam session psychedelic metal or even old school sounding stoner hard rock blues… I give you Brass Owl. The band is made up of three seasoned players: Brian Tater (vocals, guitar), Lonnie Buckley (drums) and Greg Skinner (bass/vocals). This band might not be for everyone but that’s definitely not what this band is about. The band aims to be a new kind of rock and roll.



First let's talk name. Before I even dove into their unique sound I was intrigued by the name. I know it’s not the most professional way to pick a band….but it’s like picking your cereal based on the brightly colored box without reading the label. Suddenly you’re eating a store brand Fiber One without sugar and your stuck with it now. And no of course I’m not talking from experience (okay maybe a little). Sometimes though you hit on a good one and it’s a mix of marshmallows and crunchy wheat puffs. Of course an all marshmallow cereal might be prefered but you get the bland with the sweet. It’s how it is. Brass Owl is one of the good ones.



Now that we’re all hungry, let's tuck in a napkin and talk about their new four track EP. So here’s the thing. These 3 guys look (and sound) like your father’s garageband buddies from the 70s but they have a sound that’s comfortingly familiar, yet different than what is out there now. At first I wasn’t too sure but as I settled in I realized it was hard to compare them to the bands I’m so used to hearing everyday. The first track “State of Mind” has what I would call a modern message wrapped in some old school sound. Both “Land Shark” and “Spirit Song” have a Rolling Stones Blues and Lonesome album vibe complete with almost flawless riffs and a heavy blues sound. “Mushroom Sally” (my personal favorite) is a vocal-less masterpiece taking you for a ride on the psychedelic train without the crash. I don’t feel like this album quite shows drummer Lonnie Buckley’s stunning work but over all this three piece band plays unbelievably well together. If you have a chance to see them live I would.



I really wish these guys all the best. I don’t believe they will have a very vast audience at first however there is some really great talent in their first solo album. Now excuse me while I go the grocery store for some more cereal. - By MJ Stevenson, Music Journalist

If you're anything like me...it's middle afternoon, ya know, popsicle time, and there's a hankering going on in the cockles of your heart. What I need right now is a band that sounds like Creamed Conformity...meaning somewhere between Cream and Corrision of Conformity.

Well, have we got a band for you! Ohio's own, Brass Owl, has been compared to both of those acts. Right now, here on this here internet, you can hear their latest track, Spirit Song which sounds a bit more like Ralph Macchio's character from Crossroads playing Cream tunes.

There's nothin' better than cuttin' heads. Don't forget to poke them on FACEBOOK. They're self-releasing their debut EP on June 22nd. They'll likely keep you appraised of how to get that there on Facebook. - Nik Cameron

"Brass Owl"
Author Editing
Great sound. Per
times are the same as
simpler things
that can
conquer us without
difficulty and this
Self-titled EP
Brass Owl is a
excellent example. We have brilliance
instrumental but at the same time
rock'n'roll simplicity and the way
How do you embark on psychedelic trips?
makes them memorable
what others might have made banal.
Although the press release says
It's just another band of jams.
(and we agree) this element ends up
be one of the strongest and most effective.
A great EP to open the app for the album.
9/10] Fernando Ferreira - Fernando Ferriera

The Brass Owl is a power-trio formed recently in February this year (2018, of course ... laughs). The sound is typical Rock & Roll with references to the Blues and Heavy. Music that gives pleasure to listen because it is organic and visceral!

The impression is that the four tracks of the EP were made very spontaneously through jams that qualify the trio's creative potential. It's music to get together with friends, take that "little thing" (laughs) and delight in good old Rock & Roll.

There are influences from Allman Brothers, Rival Sons, Gary Clark Jr, Cream and Robin Trower and also Corrosion Of Conformity and Black Sabbath. They were masters at drinking from these sources and adding pulsating and liberating creativity. The first record is already a prelude to the greatness that will be the first full of the trio! Tracks: Land Shark, Sally Mushroom, Spirit Song and State of Mind . Training: Lonnie Buckley (drums), Brian Tarter (guitar and vocals) and Greg Skinner (bass).

https://www.brassowlmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/brassowlmusic/ - Adalberto Belgamo

Released on: 22nd June 2018

Ohio based trio Brass Owl deliver their blend of psychoactive stoner heavy metal in a neat self-titled EP. Four tracks that really set the bar high for what is next to come from the band. And with the action so tidy on these tracks will hopefully be coming soon. Apparently the members have each had at least ten years experience making music; you can’t rush beauty.

Brass Owl is a southern belle in both tone and flavor. With an indulgent personality and a solid method to rock your socks off. This groovy bird (they are called Brass Owl remember) will teach you how to fly and make your wings soar.

Variety is the spice of life and Brass Owl, the EP, is a dynamic blend of life and love. Love expressed almost perfectly with soulful raps on guitar, southern crooning and funky rhythms coming from a tight drum kit. With such a diverse load out Brass Owl is more than prepared to blast out of the nest and into the fire.

What a journey it is though!

You would be forgiven for thinking that Brass Owl is just the product of the groups influences, which are undoubtedly to be found in classic heavy metal and blues, but what the band really brings to the table is personality. These grooves have learned from the best anti-war rhetoric and offer saccharine tunes filled with life and all shades of styles funk and filigree.

Brass Owl take the idea of eponymous and apply it to rockin’. Brass Owl is rockin’. Two rockin’ horns fresh.

9/10

The Parallax Method - The Owl Review
September 11, 2015
In "CD Reviews"
Interview With Owls By Nature
December 4, 2014
In "Interviews"
Owls By Nature - The Forgotten And The Brave Review
November 11, 2014
In "CD Reviews"
2018
BRASS OWL
BRIAN TARTER
DAVID OBERLIN
GREG SKINNER
HONK E FONK RECORDS
LONNIE BUCKLEY
SELF-TITLED
SOUNDSCAPE MAGAZINE

About David Oberlin 399 Articles
David Oberlin is a composer and visual artist who loves noise more than a tidy writing space. You can often find him in your dankest nightmares or on twitter @DieSkaarj while slugging the largest and blackest coffee his [REDACTED] loyalty card can provide.
RELATED ARTICLES

TrollfesT – The Underworld, London 21/04/14

11Paranoias – Reliquary For A Dreamed Of World Review

All Hallows’ Scenes
Search for:
SEARCH … - David Oberlin

As far as debut records go, this is excellent from BRASS OWL. Every single song sounds different from the others, not only showcasing what the band are capable of, but also making each song feel like a stand out track in its own right. MUSHROOM SALLY, in particular, shows a lot of promise, and it would be great to see the band explore this side of their sound on future records, because it really does sound brilliant. They are clearly wearing their influences, from BLACK SABBATH to LYNRD SKYNRD, on their sleeves, but there is also a nucleus for their own sound and style there as well, and with any luck, if they continue writing and recording music of this calibre, they will eventually be discussed in the same breath as their idols.

Rating: 8/10 - Danny Sanderson