Brian Lindsay – “Hexbreaker”

Brian Lindsay – “Hexbreaker” – Single Review

Hmm.  First of all, I think this song is probably more relatable than you’d think.  Who among us doesn’t feel like they could seriously use a “Hexbreaker” right about now?

Secondly, I like to be surprised.  Much like I commented on when I reviewed Brian Lindsay’s last record back in the middle of 2022, I don’t really count myself among the people that usually enjoy straightforward Rock N’ Roll.  I dunno what it is for me…maybe it’s the wear and tear of living a life that’s been exposed to so much of that particular sound, or maybe it’s the inherent obstacle of a genre that doesn’t tend to do a whole lot of new stuff, or maybe it’s just a matter of how what appeals to our ears changes just as much as taste buds do over time…it’s hard to say.  Who can really explain personal taste, right?  What appeals to our interests as individuals is unique to each of us and basically defies any logical explanation.

That being said, I’m an equally firm believer that the best of the best in any kind of style of music put themselves in a position to convince any set of ears that they’re worth listening to.  Artists like Lindsay have an intense understanding that when the lights go out and it’s time to play a show, or when the studio lights start to blink and it’s time to record, that you bring your bloody A-game – no exceptions.  So was I surprised to find that I enjoyed “Hexbreaker” as much as I did?  Genre-wise, yes.  Artist-wise, no.  I have already been through the Lindsay surprise-factor before, and the man has been fully vetted for his musical awesomeness.  I’m well aware that when I put on a Brian Lindsay song, chances are it’ll cut right through the usual noise of a style of music that’s become a little aimless as a whole – this guy is capable of creating genuine Rock N’ Roll that always sounds like it’s being played with purpose & intent.

“Hexbreaker” is certainly included in that assessment.  I know what you’re thinking – how hard can it be to include a little purpose and intention in what someone plays, right?  If those are the two magical ingredients, then everybody would know that, and everybody would simply include that stuff into what they do, right?  I admire your rose-colored optimism and I certainly wish it was all that easy, but my experience tells me different…that purpose & intention can often be the most elusive components in the art of making music.  Brian don’t gotta worry about that though y’all, he’s got plenty of both and maybe even a little leftover to spare.  If it was as simple as a matter of borrowing a little bit of what he does, I’m sure he’d be kind enough to lend it to ya.  That’s the thing though – playing with purpose and intention is by no means any kind of secret.  You can tell the whole world what the necessary ingredients are to making music that’ll make a significant impact of people listening, but that really doesn’t mean they’ll just start adding a cup or two of their own to the recipe.  There are so many folks out there that get it but just don’t do it when the time comes – but Brian ain’t one of those.  I feel like this dude eats, sleeps, and breathes Rock N’ Roll and I suspect that it’s been that way for quite a while.  He’s got that layer of true authenticity to him that tells you he believes in every note he sings and plays.

So no…as much as I like to be surprised, I knew what I’d be getting with a new Brian Lindsay single, and I’m happy to report I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Dude’s playing in a tight band, and he’s always been the centerpiece that holds everything together.  The writing is sound, the performance is arguably even better, and the song itself stands out to me as one of the better I’ve heard in the Rock genre for quite some time.  It’s got that classic edge to it that you’d expect to find in something like Springsteen, which is something I’ve mentioned in the past, and still feel like it applies here in the present.  If anything, considering that The Boss has got a full bio-pic coming out just around the corner from here, then the time is definitely right for a sound like Lindsay’s right now.  If the music business is all about timing as we’ve all been led to believe that it is, then “Hexbreaker” really couldn’t come out at a better time, right?  For real – it’s a fairly short tune at 3:11 in total runtime I suppose, but that’s about the only thing you’d remotely dare to criticize.  The lyricism is fantastically clever with its concept and vivid with its imagery to support it, the vocals have Brian sounding better than ever, and the music itself is a pure pleasure to listen to when it’s executed with such outstanding professionalism, purpose, and intention.

To be completely frank with ya, it’d almost be a disservice to the band playing with Brian to pick out any one or two elements that make this song as solid & reliable as it is, because everyone that had a hand in this did such an absolutely tremendous job on it.  Whether it’s the precision in the performances, or the stunning clarity of the production, no stone feels like it’s been left unturned in bringing this song to life.  The attention to detail, when combined with the authenticity of Brian Lindsay and his remarkable voice, all stacks up to an impressive win.  You factor in the consistently amazing musicianship surrounding him and the essential contributions that a guitar solo and backing vocals can make along the way, and you’ll find a track like this has everything you wanna hear and then some.  Because the list really does go on – the keyboards/organ is crucial to the sound of this song…the rhythm section between the bass & drums was pure perfection…everything you wanna hear is audibly right where your ears are hoping to hear it.  All this good stuff happening, and yet the main star of the show is continually able to command the spotlight with a performance that should have the man walking away with a whole bunch of hardware and accolades from his peers for the effort.  For real – this is Brian Lindsay sounding award-worthy on “Hexbreaker” – it’s a single that has the soul, spirit and essence of what you love about real Rock N’ Roll, and a song that’ll have you convinced he’s not only back at full strength, but rocking stronger than ever.

Find out more about Brian Lindsay from his official website at:  https://brianlindsay.net

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