When Rick Brantley opens his mouth, it is time to listen. Behind his thunderous voice, pounding piano, and pulsing rock guitar lies a vision, or, as Brantley puts it, a "battle cry." Expect to discover the heart of the human existence: the desperation and disillusionment, cynicism and longing, but also an inexhaustible hope. It’s as if he has developed a true artistic detachment that bleeds authenticity. It is hard to believe that the music and lungs responsible for this authentic 21st century "millennium rock n' roll" originates from such a young Georgia native, but Brantley sees his youth as an asset.
On stage, Brantley's youthful energy collides with his world-weary insight, creating an irresistible friction. Though his fiery music could certainly stand alone, it is the often-wistful lyrics that give Brantley's songs their dimension. He gives rock n' roll a conscience and an overwhelming sense of triumph and couples that with a belief that music must be more than just a soundtrack. In his own words, he views himself and his music as "a mouthpiece for many things: tolerance, freedom, love, hope, justice, peace...war...God's instrument to change this world."
It seems Brantley has created the perfect balancing act. He combines Otis Redding's moan and Joe Cocker's growl with all the heart-pounding intensity of a breathless Bruce Springsteen. Add a horn section, a couple gospel background singers, and an unshakeable purpose, and you find yourself listening to Rick Brantley. It is the flickering human spirit standing up to the grit of reality.
