San Francisco-based band The Brothers Comatose was formed in 2009 by brothers Alex (banjo, vocals) and Ben (guitar, vocals) Morrison and fiddler Philip Brezina. They added Steve Height on bass and Greg Fleischut on mandolin, and started taking the northern California acoustic music world by storm. Walking the line between jam band and progressive bluegrass they became known for their raucous live shows and a light-hearted approach to their music. Turns out they’re pretty prolific video producers as well.
The Brothers have a new album coming out July 29th called Turning Up the Ground. I thought one of the songs on it, When It All Falls Apart, was a good example of that lightness. Until I listened to it again. Juxtaposed against the happy-go-lucky sound is a story of misery and pain. As singer-songwriter Alex notes, “a lot of my favorite songs from the 50’s were structured this way.” Several of the other songs on the album have that mix of light and dark. As for When It All Falls Apart, the band created a great visual telling of someone so unhappy in the midst of a party. We’re proud to premiere that video here.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.