ALBUM REVIEW: Tracer – Spaces in Between

Back in the late 1990s The Brown Brothers enjoyed modest acclaim around South Australia. Fronted by brothers Michael and Leigh Brown, still only in their teens, the band’s success was short-lived but the siblings soon joined forces with a young drummer called Andre Wise and the result was Tracer. Spaces In Between is their first major release, following the independent EPs Into the Night and L.A.?, with the band acting as their own producers. While the music showcased on Spaces In Between may not be venturing into new territory it is still done so with a passion and conviction that is hard to ignore. Much like with Lenny Kravitz and early Reef, Tracer wear love of sleazy blues and classic rock on their sleeves.

Spaces In Between kicks off with one of its strongest tracks, Too Much, which boasts an upbeat and funky guitar riff and an energy that serves as an impressive introduction to the band. The highlight of the album is without a doubt Walk Alone, a seductive number that has the feel of a classic in the making. For a three-piece Tracer sound remarkably tight and this song will no doubt sound very impressive in concert. The Bitch is another standout moment, once again led by a strong guitar riff that starts off mellow before exploding into a full-on rock anthem. Among the other memorable tunes are the dreamlike Dead Inside and the Silverchair-esque Save My Breath. Spaces In Between is not without its flaws though, as there are a handful of songs that feel a little too generic and lack the immediacy of their counterparts. It is one of those albums that when it hits the right notes it rocks hard but occasionally falls into mediocrity. Yet for the most part Tracer show that they are both gifted musicians and songwriters and In Between Spaces it is a strong debut from a band that show great promise.

Watch the video for Too Much here!