Originally from picturesque New England, Andrew Browning seemed like a man preparing himself for something greater since childhood. Music entered his life during his school years, like an unexpected guest. In those days, their teacher insisted on one thing: the children had to sing classics. But not Beethoven and Mozart, rather American classics — Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson. By the age of ten, Browning already had a grand plan: to become a rock star. And, it must be said, he clung to that dream as his guiding star for a good twenty years. But life decided to show who was really in charge.

“By the time I got to 30, tired and broke. I sort of made a pivot and went into technology. I had a kid on the way. That sort of makes you feel like you’ve got to get a spear and go kill something and eat it,” he says with light irony. It was a make-or-break moment.

For twelve long years, the guitar was put away in the attic, and creativity — on pause. However, one casual conversation with a friend turned out to be fateful. The friend invited Andrew to play. And as a result, he wrote one song, then another… and soon couldn’t stop.

Today, Andrew Browning is the author of three albums, each illustrating different chapters of his life. His latest release, “Love Is a Beautiful Thing” with the revamped lineup of 9 Pound Hammers, showcases how stylishly and beautifully one can return to what truly matters. The recording featured new musicians, including Chris Lawrence, John DePatie, Belle Johnson, Sergio Cardenas, and Jake Abernathy. The album sounds fresh, maintaining the spirit of the band while opening new horizons.

The 10-track record kicks off with “Rockn N Roll Cocaine” — an assertive, rock-and-roll number with bright brass sections that sets the tone for the entire album. It establishes ambitious intentions, promising that each subsequent track will be just as intense. “Rockn N Roll Cocaine” carries the power of classic rock-and-roll but with a modern sound.

In the track “Rose Avenue And Main Street,” the rock-and-roll spirit remains, but its roughness is significantly softened with barely noticeable country undertones. Gentle chords woven into the fabric of the track add a touch of nostalgia.

Andrew Browning and his band, 9 Pound Hammers, embody California in its rugged and often somber guise — straightforward, irreverent, and driven by an unquenchable energy. The title track of the album, “Love Is A Beautiful Thing,” reflects the duality of love, where passion and heartache intertwine in a single emotional flow. It offers a multifaceted perspective on relationships, presenting love as both a source of inspiration and an experience fraught with disappointments. The melody transitions seamlessly from languid, almost painful lyricism to brighter chords, reflecting a contemplation of love as a layered emotion. It’s a personal reckoning, an attempt to grasp the fullness of human emotions, including their painful and unsettling aspects.

In the album “Love Is A Beautiful Thing“, the band delivers powerful narratives, bold lyrics, rich arrangements, and expressive vocal performances, paired with hardcore riffs and sudden rock climaxes, as seen in the track “Smoke And Grinding Gears.” Other tracks, like “Falling To Pieces” and “San Fernando“, evoke vivid, emotional images of life in California, stirring nostalgic memories of the Golden State.

“Falling To Pieces “captures the tension and contradictions inherent in urban life, while San Fernando reveals a calm yet potent atmosphere of the sunlit state, its vast landscapes, and moments of stillness that contrast with the dynamic energy of big cities. The melodic folk motifs of “San Fernando” create a mood filled with emotions, reflecting a yearning to find one’s path in California’s vast and multifaceted world.

The closing, powerful track “Econoline “captivates with its diverse elements. Juicy guitar solos, vibrating bass lines, edgy percussion, atmospheric synthesizers, and charismatic vocals combine to create a vibrant and unforgettable finale to the album. The track leaves a lasting impression, underscoring the energy and drama of the entire listening experience.

The album has become the pinnacle of Browning’s work since his return to the world of music. It reveals the diversity of love — its joyful moments and bitter disappointments. Magnificent sound, heartfelt vocals, and vivid rock-and-roll climaxes make this album a powerful narrative. Andrew and his band, 9 Pound Hammers, carefully preserve their musical roots while simultaneously showcasing the maturity and subtlety of their craft.

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