Last week, New Jersey-based punk-rock band The Brothers Union released their EP "And Always Will Be." With five tracks, the group moves through alternative blends that not only look to the pop-punk of yesterday, but into the confessional, indie phenomenon of now. "Cards on the Table" is a standout on the project.
We sat down with Mike O'Reilly, the group's vocalist, to discuss just where his personal inspirations derive and what he's listening to!
"The Adventure" - Angels & Airwaves
"This song means a lot to me because it came out at the perfect age where I was searching for my sound. Hearing Tom Delonge’s epic delay guitar hooks and massive sounding mixes forever changed the way I want my own music to sound."
2. "A Day in the Life" - The Beatles
"As long as my brother Sean and I have been around, The Beatles’ music has been coming out of the speakers. It’s been the soundtrack to many car rides with the family when we were kids and the music at all the O’Reilly family functions. This Beatle song stands out to me because it’s the ultimate John & Paul song. Two guys with 2 different songs and merging them together to make a masterpiece. That’s how we like looking at ‘The Brothers Union’ sometimes. "
3. "Pictures of You" - The Cure
"This song epitomizes the feeling of heart ache and I’ve been there many times. Sometimes listening to the saddest song in the world make me feel better. This song has helped me get back up many times. I’ve always been inspired by the vibe The Cure brings. The big swirly guitars and mesmerizing bass lines with Roberts ghostly voice sailing on top of the tracks."
4. "This Modern Love" - Bloc Party
"Not only this song but this whole album inspired me back when I was in high school and continues to. I still throw this song in almost every playlist I make. Bloc Party has always sounded so emotional in their arrangements and lyrics. The crescendo at the end of this song is energy at its finest."
5. "Humming" - Turnover
"This is another album where it’s tough to pick only a single song but I’m picking this one because it highlights the beauty of being in love. That golden feeling of being free and in love. 'Laugh again and make me fall in love, oh take me where you go.' The feeling of falling in love is something all of us humans desire yet it could be one of the most hurtful roller-coasters we all endure. Turnovers floaty guitars and emotional lyrics on this whole album was gifted to us back in 2015 and I’ve been a big fan of this band ever since."
"And Always Will Be" is available across streaming platforms.