Brothers Osborne released their debut self-titled EP Sept. 9, a long-awaited release for the duo whose popularity increases daily.
John and T.J. Osborne hail from Deale, Maryland and have brought a sense of their hometown to the album, even filming locals to appear in the music video for their current single. The duo’s music is different without branching too far away from their roots. With a network of musicians supporting them and landing the opening slot on two major tours, there is no doubt Brothers Osborne will be a household name in due time.
The EP consists of five songs, including the current single, “Rum,” which peaked at 34 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The country label can often lead music lovers astray, but the duo pays no mind to those stereotypes. Instead, they attempt to break the mold and create something genuine all of their own, in which they succeed. Their back porch, classic rock feel distinguishes them from the predictable artists dominating the top charts.
The EP kicks off with a song straight out of the Wild West called “Shoot from the Hip,” likely to draw the listener in at the beginning of the album. “Arms of Fire” follows, a song about the ever-present problem of knowing when to let go of a relationship. The duo sings “In your arms of fire, I can’t escape/Staying or leaving hurts either way/Walking a wire I’ll never cross/’Cause everything in me is wanting to fall/Into your arms of fire”. The third track is “Stay a Little Longer,” which gives some insight as to what became of the relationship in the previous song. The thumping chorus sings “I tell myself I’m not in love, but one more time is not enough/One last kiss and then you’re a goner/Lying here wishing you could stay a little longer.” The EP nears its conclusion with “Love the Lonely Out of You,” a beautiful acoustic song that truly accentuates the artist’s vocal capabilities. “Rum,” the duo’s most popular song, closes the album on a fun-loving note after three more serious songs. The song emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of already-existing surroundings instead of going through all of the trouble of getting away.
Brothers Osborne may not be producing number one singles yet, but they are definitely heading in the right direction. Fans of any genre can appreciate artists who break with tradition, and this duo is no exception. With the duo’s first single just released in 2013, they are off to a promising start. Opening for two major country artists this year will definitely boost their popularity and introduce a new kind of country music for fans. It’s not very often artists will attempt to create something so genuine and real that they’re willing to sacrifice the chance at instant gratification in the form of number one songs straight out of the gate. Brothers Osborne is a duo who are redefining the lines and following in the footsteps of trailblazers who have launched a revolution with their distinct music.