Brigitte Calls Me Baby –
This House is Made of Corners EP
(2023) Review

Hello Reader,

We’re back with a shorter format review. This is the site’s first EP (Extended Play) review. You’ll find all EP reviews on their own page within our site as EPs and their reduced length don’t meet album criteria. We’ll use the trusted Scum Drops rating system though. Please check out that system ratings article under the Reviews tab.

In today’s review, I’ll tell you about the wonderful debut release from Brigitte Calls Me Baby, This House is Made of Corners EP which was released for our listening pleasure on November 3rd via the lovely indie label ATO Records. ATO has put out some fantastic records in their 23-year history and this is another one. Brigitte Calls Me Baby was signed to ATO after their SXSW set in March of this year. Brigitte takes its name after the incomparable Brigitte Bardot.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby is a Chicago-based band made up of lead vocalist Wes Leavins, guitarists Jack Fluegel and Trevor Lynch, bass guitarist Devin Wessels and Jeremy Benshish, co-founder of the band with Leavins, and drummer. The producer on This House Is Made of Corners EP was none other than 9-time Grammy Winner, Dave Cobb who won said Grammys while working with country and/or americana artists: Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, and Brandi Carlile.

Wes Leavins started learning guitar and how to sing at the age of 13. Leavins spent an influential amount of time the next few years, listening to Roy Orbison, Frank Sinatra and Elvis records at his grandparents’ house, while his listening to a lot a new-wave bands at his parents’ house such as, but not limited to The Cars. His friends played a lot of Radiohead and The Strokes and it shows in the best ways. 

“At first I didn’t like the way I sang and couldn’t really do anything about it, but as I got older I started to appreciate it more. My whole inclination toward music came from being in this small town in Texas with nowhere to go and nothing to do and wanting to be understood without having to say anything.”  As you’ll soon hear, Leavins has an incredible voice, one many only dream of, and I’ll glad he’s no longer bashful about sharing it.

Ready?

Hype video number one, “Impressive Average”:

(All credits and rights to Brigitte Calls Me Baby)

If “Eddie My Love” doesn’t stoke your interest in the band:

(All credits and rights to Brigitte Calls Me Baby)

Overall, This House Is Made of Corners EP is a recording where all band members stand out. Leavins gives every ounce of vocals in a passionate, emotive way that sticks with you. For some listeners, Leavins vocals will recall memories of Roy Orbison or Morrisey depending on the song. I listen to a lot of music, and Leavins voice stands out, he’s so talented. Leavins vocal range is unique and at the same time earnest, open and vulnerable. The lyrics follow suit. The rest of the band is skilled as well. The guitars and drums are tight. The EP has a perfect mix of melodies that sound like music eras from the past and thus the melodies contain familiar nuances of The Smiths on “The Future Is Our Way Out” and The Strokes on “You Are Only Made of Dreams” are evident without being copycat or cover band because Brigitte retains their own sound. The sound the band creates is a beautiful and amazing sound as decades are seemingly combined yet this is brand new music. “Impressively Average,” is a blistering pace perhaps the quickest of any song on the EP, but it is a gem. The vocals are chefs kiss. And the musical instrumentation is flawless. The next song, “Eddie My Love,” professes desire for Eddie with unbelievable vocals over gorgeous guitars and a great drumbeat. The closer, “Palm of Your Hand,” has a great 80s post-punk vibe to me as Leavins sings longingly over a sweeping drum beat and rollicking guitars.

This House is Made of Corners EP is 5 out of 5 Scum Drops for me. Love it! One of the best EPs of the year. A great starting point for the band. It has everything you need in an EP. Ridiculous vocals, tight melodies, great lyrics and superb band work. Even different decades of music. I’m looking forward to their debut album release which appears to be as soon as 2024. Listen to this EP on repeat, purchase it too!

This House is Made of Corners EP track list (song time)

1. The Future is Our Way Out (4:42)
2. Impressively Average (3:18)
3. Eddie My Love (3:20)
4. You Are Only Made of Dreams (3:17)
5. Palm Of Your Hand (3:35)

total run time:  18:12

More about the band links: https://www.brigittecallsmebaby.com/

“In so much music there’s a desire to be perceived as someone who’s got it all figured out, but I never want to paint a picture that isn’t true,” declares frontman, Wes Leavins. “I know that when I was younger, I was looking for something to latch onto that I could connect with and feel a part of, so I’d hope that our music could provide that for others. I want to create something that helps people feel more alive, and that will last long after we’re gone.”

Thanks for reading and supporting good music.

Until next time,

Alex

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site: scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions!
Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com