From the sprawling plains of Sherrard, Illinois comes a thunderstorm of folk artistry just beginning to take form. Since their debut in 2011, The Cerny Brothers have been writing, traveling and sharpening their creative implements to the point of perfection. The band has now released a total of three albums that progressively demonstrate the growth and increasingly-focused direction within the brothers‘ music. Their latest and greatest album to date, Sleeping Giant, is refined, fresh and ripe for the picking.
Robert (vocals, banjo) and Scott Cerny (guitar, vocals, harmonica) are The Cerny Brothers. Accompanying them is bassist Albert Hickman and Robert Anderson on drums. This third new chapter in The Cerny Brothers story brings to light inspired new frontiers and establishes a strengthening musical foothold for the band.
The opening single “Porch Lights” bounces in with a sunny, banjo-happy style decorated with beautiful lyrical imagery. The drums crash through with tidal-wave-force as your ears fill with the brothers’ soulful harmonies. The song sets the stage and starts us off on a lively high-note. “Don’t let go of my hand,” Robert Cerny fervently sings, and you certainly won’t. After just one song, it becomes abundantly clear that letting go is not an option. You’ll be right there with the brothers, each and every step of the way.
One of the album’s most striking highlights is the impressive fourth track, “Shaking the Blues.” Beginning with an almost Planet Waves-era Dylan-esque introduction, the song suddenly sends us on a catchy, foot-stomping, rocking ride that ushers in a louder alternative direction significantly brightening up the band’s sound. It’s clean, it’s fun, it’s perfect.
The lyrics on the impassioned “Heart in a Bottle” seem to unearth that voice inside us all that begs to be heard, while the powerful poetics of “Nightburn” reveal the struggles of youth confronting the uncertainties of aging. Rough and honest truths are unveiled throughout the abrasively upbeat “Middle of Winter” as well, making for an extremely approachable and relatable dialogue all through the record.
The additional element of upright bass on “Words Like a Rock” compliments the album’s sound delightfully, while the electric guitar blares fiercely on rockers like “The Kid,” “Tears Always Fall,” and “Leaving Town.” On the softer side of the spectrum is the romantic, “I Want You Tonight” and the exceptionally touching “Blue Blue Water;” an intimate acoustic ballad that adds even more depth to an already highly-diverse collection of music.
The final song, “Lonely Seas” shines a vibrant light on the impressive vocal abilities of Robert Cerny. At the same time Scott’s impeccable musical accompaniment and picture-perfect harmonies round-out their sound with salient professionalism. The Cerny Brothers are walking a musical tightrope; folk and Americana on one side and alternative rock on the other. Breathing the same air as bands like The Lumineers, The Avett Brothers and The Punch Brothers; The Cerny Brothers have proven to be yet another most-welcome addition to the marvelous and ever-growing list of modern folk artists. I believe we have awoken a sleeping giant.
By Joseph Conlon