Jim Creeggan plays bass for the pop group Barenaked Ladies, and his brother Andy played keyboards for the same group until 1995. When they collaborate as The Brothers Creeggan, you might expect a sound similar to that of the more-well-known Toronto-based band. Their new album Trunks, however, is an entirely separate effort. While there are some subtle musical clues to the origins of The Brothers Creeggan, this is not a follow-up to the Barenaked Ladies' Stunt.
Far from the popular success of the larger band, the duo has quietly struck away at the music scene since 1993. Their previous efforts include The Brothers Creeggan, The Brothers Creeggan II, and Andy's solo album Andiwork. Despite considerable talent, the brothers have yet to sell more than 15,000 copies of these works combined.
Trunks shows The Brothers Creeggan settling into a defined style without becoming stolid and boring. Since neither Jim nor Andy have sung lead vocals for Barenaked Ladies, their work together gives both of them opportunities to show their talents. The addition of drummer Ian McLauchlan to nearly every song gives the album more rhythmic punch than might be expected from such an acoustic duo.
Their style, however, produces a take-it-or-leave-it reaction. The sound is mellow and relaxed. If the first song, "Stuck," catches your ear, you're likely to enjoy the whole thing. Trunks plays like a concert, or a single long composition. Despite changes in style and method, it orbits around a single aural theme throughout.
This is not to say, however, that there are no particular shining moments on the album. "Lila" is a sweet, poetic song, with a taste of the pop catchiness that the Barenaked Ladies are known for. "Kitchen Dancin" features a variety of kitchen items used for percussive effect, giving the song an active, improvised feel. "Survey the Situation" and "Stuck" are the only songs that give Andy Creeggan a lead vocal. Both of these songs, along with "Lila," stick out as the highlights of the album.
Several tracks give humorous insights into Creeggan family life. "John's in the Fridge" tells of a hide-and-seek game gone wrong, while "Goin to the Forest" follows Jim's attempt to run away from the family in Canada. "Kitchen Dancin" is, according to Jim Creeggan, "a sort of impressionistic view of dinner time at the Creeggan's place."
In trying to settle into a less experimental groove with Trunks, The Brothers Creeggan have run into a few problems. At times, the lyrics can flow beautifully, using the voices of the brothers as supporting instruments. In other moments, the brothers might have done better to take their own advice: "The song it tried to touch/but it said too much." Some trite rhymes, mainly in "Goin to the Forest" and "There's a Melody," mar the clever writing and rhythm of the lyrics in other songs.
The consistent tone of the album could also prove to be a downfall. While sonically and artistically appropriate, such a smooth flow ensures that there will be no breakthrough singles for The Brothers Creeggan. Their fan base may grow through record sales and live performances, but the radio will never bring them fame.
The Brothers Creeggan do not try to imitate the style of the larger Barenaked Ladies, but instead have a sound of their own. Despite not being fit for radio airtime, Trunks plays well from beginning to end. The brothers, along with their numerous guest artists, bring together a variety of instruments and take a few moments here and there to really shine.
