Bryan John Appleby

Seattle based songwriter, Bryan John Appleby, spent winter and spring of this year holed up with close friends in a Ballard warehouse banging pots, plucking strings, tapping mason jars, and plunking pianos. What emerged from these musical ramblings was the long awaited debut full-length, Fire on the Vine. The album elaborates on his affinity for organic soundscapes and acoustic found sounds. And yet, the record remains accessible with lush, satisfying melodies. True to the approach taken with his first EP, Shoes for Men and Beasts, the songs are crafted carefully, with an emphasis on compelling lyrics. The thoughtful narratives supply the cast of characters with a range of experiences and emotions that reflect the songwriter’s personal doubts and realizations. Some who have only seen Appleby perform solo may find the album a bit surprising. Though many of the songs are crafted around Appleby’s somewhat sparse finger picking style, they take on new identities as far-reaching instrumentation wraps around luring melodies and harmonies. With live performances on KEXP and shows with Damien Jurado and The Head and the Heart in his rear view mirror, Appleby and his band anticipate a ... more...