By McKenna Klaphake

Local indie rock band, The Briefly Gorgeous released their debut EP, I’m Shy today, September 15th. The group allowed Minneapolis Lens early streaming privileges as well as answered a few questions about their first record.

While the band itself is relatively new, musicians Kailyn Grider (vocalist/guitarist), Maddie Thies (bassist), Johnny Devitt (guitarist), and Al Norman (drummer) are all involved in various other music projects in the local music scene. The expertise of the artists in this band is demonstrated profoundly in their new EP. 

The Briefly Gorgeous began teasing I’m Shy earlier this year with the release of the first track, “Pulling Threads” and as a listener, I was hooked after first hearing its fiery and angsty lyrics. The six track record is highlighted by well crafted instrumentals, wicked guitar riffs, and powerful vocal belts. For those who find consolation in music, this is definitely the album for you. While addressing heavy themes, the EP moves listeners toward self discovery and self improvement.

Vocalist Grider phrased it beautifully by writing, “The imagery we use on the record, of smashing a mirror and sifting through the broken shards, is in some ways symbolic of that process. It may be a difficult and messy process (breaking that mirror literally was!), but it’s a necessary one to make the changes you want to see in your community, your relationships, and within yourself.”

With three singles already released; “Pulling Threads,” “Burnout,” and “Standby,” the EP includes three more tracks titled, “Origami Tiger,” “Sidewalks,” and “Imposter,” and each track is just as powerful as the next. Many of the pieces were written during the pandemic and prior to Grider coming out as transgender. “A lot of the lyrics on this record came from a time when I felt profoundly stuck – creatively, socially, and within myself as a person”, she noted. 

The words sung in “Imposter” describe these themes with the line, “‘Cause part of me is make believe/I’m not the person you think that I should be.” Listeners can find solace and comfort in lyrics like these that describe all too common feelings of imposter syndrome and insecurity. 

Every piece on this EP is high in energy with punchy beats that guide each track. The captivating guitar solos also add to the rock vibe created by the band. As Grider belts through the choruses, fellow band members keep up with just as powerful instrumentals. 

“… I do really love how rhythm oriented we all are and how intuitively we can all pick up on little details,” Grider noted when asked about what sets The Briefly Gorgeous apart from other bands. “… To me it’s really the unique combination of these four people that enjoy making music and spending time together and that we all believe in each other wholeheartedly” she stated. 

With the release of I’m Shy, The Briefly Gorgeous have cemented a place for themselves among the greats of the local indie rock scene. It is clear that this is just the beginning for the band with the promise of even more new music to come. We can expect great things from The Briefly Gorgeous as they continue to present passionate performances.

Go listen to I’m Shy, which is now streaming on all platforms!