✧ Album of the Year ✧ 2012

Sometime back in September I decided that Where We Are by Mackintosh Braun had to be my Album of the Year. Maybe it seems premature to pick so early, but for five months prior I had been playing this album nonstop. Where We Are defined my year and saw me through the good times and the bad times.

From start to finish, Where We Are is chalk full of sonic detail, and is pretty incredible when listened to on headphones. Mackintosh Braun combine a unique array of styles to make their sound. With keyboard & percussion sounds of the 80's, spacey tones & chorus vocal hooks that rival the best Electric Light Orchestra songs, and a soft dance beat that could equally get you pumped up or put you in a dreamy state of bliss, Where We Are has me still captivated.

Labeled an "Electro-Pop" group on Wikipedia, Mackintosh Braun is made up of Ian Mackintosh (guitars, keyboards) and Ben Braun (bass, keyboards). Low and behold, they live right here in Portland, Oregon. Both members have musician parents, with Ben’s father, Michael Braun, having been the long-time touring drummer for Hall and Oates. As Ben recounts, "he would take me up onstage and sit me behind him and put headphones on me." After releasing their self-produced debut album The Sound in 2007, the duo were signed and began working on Where We Are (released in 2010). They recorded the album in a makeshift studio set up in Ian’s house, producing and mixing the entire record themselves.

Playing at SXSW in Austin, TX  - 2010

Considering the complexity and sonic clarity heard throughout the tracks, it's extraordinary that these guys produced their music in a home studio.  Joshua Krage of AudiohoicMedia.com describes Where We Are this way: 

"Fading in with a swirling barrage of atmospheric layering, the Portland duo’s Chop Shop Records debut album Where We Are launches into a cool, deliberately composed voyage of elegant, electronic dance/pop built on strong songcraft and incorporating deceptively catchy hooks at every turn. This project takes traditional dance floor energy and adds sophisticated production and synth-infused vocals to create a perfect late-night cocktail of uptempo electronica and dense, literate songwriting."

Mackintosh Braun had a track featured on Grey's Anatomy, prompting this blogger to report:

"usually i don't give a damn on any bands that are featured on tv-series like grey's anatomy or others, but mackintosh braun are way to good to keep them unmentioned. their new album comes pretty close to what i'd call a perfect pop-album. amongst all the surf-pop-chillwave-witch-house-indie stuff, this is one great exception. it's such a perfect production and nearly every song is a highlight. this album proves, that electropop or whatever you'd like to call it.... can be uber addictive."

I tend to agree that every song is a highlight. Title track Where We Are and Line in the Sand and have been serious favorites of mine. In the latter, I'm hooked by the catchy chorus of "I'll never be who I was before...now that I know what all of is this for."

Considering Mackintosh Braun call Portland home, I've been chomping at the bit for a chance to see them live. Following them on Facebook, I know they are finishing up their third album and I'll be paying close attention to that release and any upcoming live shows. For now, listen to their first two albums here. Happy New Year!

My Rating__9 out of 10         Headphones__ 9 out of 10