Veteran americana indie rock outfit Roger Bryan and the Orphans recently released their new record Keep You in Mind. The quartet’s first release since 2017’s 9er EP, Keep You in Mind is quite simply a gorgeous record that further cements Bryan’s status as one of the most talented songwriters in Buffalo’s music scene. Bryan’s deep vocals have an extraordinary ability to feel brooding, exuberant, wistful, or contemplative as each song progresses.
The title track, which kicks off the album does a nice job of setting the tone, with an upbeat sound and a thoroughly catchy hook. I must also make special note of the standout lead guitar work on this record by Bryan’s fellow Harvestsum alum David Calos.
Another fabulous track is the blistering “Faster Than Forward” which almost begs to be played with the windows down. “Roll It” shows a slower side of the band, with mournful pedal steel underscoring Bryan’s somber tone. The album closer “This Town” is an anthemic standout which gradually builds to an energetic outro.
With this record, Bryan has once again showed his ability to blend a more pop oriented sound of Wilco with the deep textures of The National. A necessary listen, this is without a doubt one of my top releases in the Buffalo scene this year.
Written by John Smigielski