Produced by his brother Chris Isaak at Blue-Star Studio, Brandon Isaak sounds like a natural at the hokum style, roots, and acoustic blues. He plays a vast array of instruments, from a harp to a kazoo, Here On Earth is a testament to the great sounds of yesterday.
Immediately upon starting the album in the stereo, there is a familiar touch of the classic John Cepha’s and Phil Wiggin’s hokum style songwriting and acoustic string plucking, and Isaak encapsulates both of them. Issak holds close to him this vintage tone, blending his unique voice over the twanging at his fingertips.
“Best You Can” is an instant stand-out on the album. Isaak’s growling vocals bring out the hope and love of the lyrics. The harmonica tones on “Dressed 4 Heaven” blend with a delicate chorus lead into a classic styled blues track, probably most unlike his other songs on the album. Isaak’s album Here On Earth provides a taste of the vintage sounds of a time passed on. Rarely will you hear an album such as this, one that captures all the essence of an era, and that also modernizes it for today’s listeners.
