Les Brown’s latest album, The Next One, is a thrilling exploration of sound that continues his journey as a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and sound experimenter. With his second full-length release, Brown proves his mastery of blending genres, moods, and textures, forging a musical landscape that is as unpredictable as it is captivating. This album is the follow-up to The First One, and while the title might suggest a sense of progression, it’s clear that The Next One is also its own unique entity — a collection of auditory surprises and sonic intricacies.
Throughout The Next One, Brown channels influences from musical visionaries like Tangerine Dream, King Crimson, and Brian Eno — artists known for their genre-defying, boundary-pushing work. Much like those pioneers, Brown isn’t afraid to venture into uncharted territory, but his approach is more playful, often blending humor and fun into his explorations. The title of the album itself reflects this sense of ongoing experimentation: “The Next One” feels like a continual journey rather than a definitive statement, leaving the door wide open for future sonic ventures.
“The Next One” Tracklist
This album has the following 11 tracks:
- Picycle
- Jungle Night
- Happy Malfunction
- Martini
- Bhajan
- Brain Goes For Walk
- Hunting Creek Road
- Daisy In The Wind
- Porro de Circo
- Yeehaw!
- One More Thing
Stream “The Next One” on Spotify
The album opens with Picycle, which immediately sets the tone for the album’s eclectic nature. The track starts with an ominous, ambient drone, layered with dark, pulsating synths that quickly give way to a funky, percussive groove. Brown’s ability to build musical textures from multiple genres — funk, ambient, and progressive rock — is evident here. The track feels like a sonic laboratory, a series of experiments in sound that gradually coalesce into something dynamic. The tension and release are palpable, drawing the listener into a world that is both inviting and mysterious.
As the album progresses, Brown’s mastery of sonic transitions is on full display. In Jungle Night, the listener is enveloped by the swirling, hypnotic atmosphere of layered synthesizers, with percussive elements gradually infiltrating the space. The track feels like a soundtrack to a nocturnal adventure, where the forest — while mysterious — never seems threatening. This mood of exploration is something that Brown touches on in his press release: music meant to invoke a feeling of being in a new and unfamiliar space. The track’s rising tension paired with its lush, ambient soundscapes provides a sense of both adventure and comfort — inviting the listener to lose themselves in the unknown.
The track Happy Malfunction takes the listener in a different direction. Here, Brown uses glitchy, off-kilter rhythms and distorted samples to create an air of controlled chaos. The title is fitting: the “malfunction” feels less like a mistake and more like a carefully constructed moment of sonic discord. This playful approach to experimentation shines through, as Brown allows the imperfections to form part of the track’s charm. It’s as if the artist is encouraging the listener to embrace the dissonance, to find joy in the unpredictable.
One of the standout qualities of The Next One is its ability to meld disparate musical genres. Martini is a prime example, an ambient jazz fusion track that brings together smooth, flowing synthesizer pads with a laid-back, funky bassline. The track conjures a sense of relaxation, but the unexpected detours into unconventional rhythms and offbeat sound effects add layers of complexity. It’s a prime example of Brown’s ability to create music that feels accessible yet full of depth.
Another outstanding track Bhajan offers a captivating blend of meditative ambiance and experimental textures, capturing the spirit of both spiritual and sonic exploration. The song’s title, which refers to a devotional Hindu song, sets the stage for a track that transcends traditional boundaries, seamlessly merging elements of Eastern spirituality with Brown’s signature genre-bending style. The composition begins with soft, droning synths that invoke a sense of calm and reverence, evoking the meditative, repetitive qualities often associated with traditional bhajans. This ambient foundation serves as a perfect backdrop for the subtle interplay of electronic textures and acoustic elements that gradually emerge throughout the track.
As the album continues, tracks like Brain Goes For Walk and Hunting Creek Road showcase his versatility. Brain Goes For Walk is a meditative journey, featuring minimalistic melodies that gently evolve over time. It’s the kind of piece that could easily be a soundtrack to introspective moments or a serene outdoor walk. On the other hand, Hunting Creek Road bursts with energy, featuring intricate guitar work and swelling synthesizer textures. It’s reminiscent of the work of King Crimson, with its intricate time signatures and layered instrumentation.
However, perhaps the most striking piece on The Next One is Daisy In The Wind. The track evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility, combining elements of ambient and classical music. The use of orchestral textures alongside digital effects creates a compelling contrast, and Brown’s ability to evoke emotion through sound is clear. The piece offers a moment of calm before the album picks up again in intensity.
The playful, avant-garde nature of The Next One continues through tracks like Porro de Circo and Yeehaw!. The former blends chaotic, circus-like rhythms with Latin-inspired instrumentation, while the latter offers a rollicking country-funk groove. Both tracks speak to Brown’s willingness to venture into unfamiliar musical territories, combining elements of different cultures and genres to create something unique. Yeehaw! in particular is an exercise in fun, with its upbeat rhythm and energetic delivery. It’s a joyful moment on an album that never takes itself too seriously.
The album concludes with One More Thing, which brings a sense of closure to this journey. The track is a slow, methodical build, a reflection of everything that came before it. It combines Brown’s ambient tendencies with his progressive rock leanings, creating a track that feels both introspective and expansive. It’s as though Brown is inviting listeners to sit back, take a breath, and absorb the full scope of the album’s creative spectrum.
The Next One is not just an album; it’s an invitation. Les Brown offers listeners a seat at the table of musical discovery, encouraging them to experiment and embrace the unexpected. With its mixture of genres — from rock to jazz to ambient to psychedelia — the album stands as a testament to Brown’s unique approach to music. Like the box of chocolates referenced in his press release, there’s something for everyone here, with each track offering a new flavor of sonic delight. For those willing to step outside the box, The Next One is a rich and rewarding journey — a tantalizing glimpse into the future of experimental music.
More Info About Les Brown and His Projects
Les Brown is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer known for his eclectic and genre-blending musical style. He plays all the instruments on his recordings, with a particular focus on guitar and keyboards. His musical journey spans decades of exploring various genres, which he seamlessly fuses into his distinctive sound.
Born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Les Brown developed his musical talents in his youth, taking piano lessons in grade school before becoming self-taught on guitar, drums, synthesizers, and music production. He later attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where he played in local rock and blues bands. After earning an M.S. in Geology from the University of South Carolina, Les and his wife, Kate, moved to Colorado, where he fronted the rock/jam band Uncle Bob and played drums in Natchez Bound. In 2016, they returned to Edinboro, where Les focused on his solo music career and formed a jazz trio.
Now based in Edinboro with Kate, their pets, and a deep connection to his roots, Les Brown remains an active musician, continuously working on new music.
Brown’s first singles, Approaching Equinox and Meat Grinder Variations No. 1, were released in 2021, followed by his debut album, The First One, in 2022. The album blends jazz rock, electronica, ambient music, and more, showcasing his experimental approach to sound. In 2024, Les released The Next One, an album influenced by the likes of Brian Eno, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, and even a touch of hard rock. His music offers a diverse range from ambient to hard rock, psychedelia, and electronica, described as a “musical box of chocolates” with something for every listener.
Here are some quick links to help you learn more about Les Brown and his work:
* Official Website * Spotify * Bandcamp * Soundcloud * YouTube Channel
