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Critic's Review
Kurt Morris, All Music Guide
Brandtson's Trying to Figure Each Other Out features six pop gems plus a hidden remix of "As You Wish," from the band's Fallen Star Collection album. The remix is done by the electronic band Furnace St., based in Oberlin, OH. This is definitely an object of interest, given its peculiarity in contrast to Brandtson's typical material. However, the real meat of the album -- the six songs by Brandtson -- are without a doubt fantastic. Following the course of Brandtson's career up to this point, it is noticeable that Trying to Figure Each Other Out is another big step in a fresh direction for this band from Cleveland, OH. These songs aren't nearly as heavy as the stuff on Letterbox, and aren't as dark and dismal as the material on Fallen Star Collection or Letterbox. But these are not upbeat love songs either. As a matter of fact, they all seem to be about heartbreak and "trying to figure each other out." The music is pure emo-pop, and Brandtson's amazing duel vocal combination of Jared Jolley and Myk Porter is a success.
