BRAXTON - the next big things

Comparisons are odious, but much like ARIA winning band Jet, Braxton are on their way to making it big. And guess what? They have their own unique sound. (Apologies to the lazy music writers who have compared Braxton to The Carpenters and Slim Dusty).

Lead singer Elliott Hammond tells me what makes Braxton’s sound so different.

"We wanted (music) that wouldn’t categorise us into a genre; we definitely make a conscious effort not to go with the ‘hardcore’ scene. It (forming the band) was kind of like a new beginning for us."

With stunning arrangements, state-of-the-art lyrics and stylish grooves, Braxton have achieved a sound that is rapidly sweeping the country.

"We’ve been together about 18 months now," says Hammond. In this short space of time, the band have performed alongside The Knockabouts, Sounds like Chicken, Gauge and recently toured with one of Australia’s most successful bands, Bodyjar.

Life on the road can be isolating - wake up, do interviews, do rehearsals, then perform; another day, another motel. Yet, it’s very clear that Braxton are very passionate and excited about what they do.

The Brisbane boys know very well of the - often lengthy - periods where simple pleasures like watching the news, having a Sunday barbecue with friends, and seeing family are a rarity. Elliott Hammond explains what keeps the band motivated: "Most of (our) songs are from our time on the road, and a lot of it is kind of looking at what’s happening (around us.) It’s just the music; that’s what got us together in the first place and that’s what keeps us going".

Braxton’s LP Under the Radar is breathtaking - every song is layered with unique sounds and has a powerful message. Given the likelihood of major success, at this very moment, the band members are most likely enjoying the last phase of their lives where they’ll be able to buy a carton of milk without fans asking for autographs.

And judging by the polite and charismatic nature of lead singer Elliott Hammond; the band is sure to dazzle Australia (including on the inevitable night when the boys will "do a Jet" and ‘clean up’ at the ARIA awards).

Pleasant to the eye, it won’t be long until the walls of the bedrooms of Australian girls will be lined with Braxton posters while Australian boys might decide to do a speech about their new favourite band (rather than the set topic of photosynthesis!).

"At the end of the day we’re a rock band; that’s what we do." says Hammond, "We write the music to make people feel good."

And make people feel good Braxton does!

There are no comparisons: Braxton the band (and the Under the Radar LP!) are in a league of their own.