Brothers (Wheelhouse, 2019)

While some wondered whether bro country's long and very successful run (a sub-genre that traditionalists have long resented) was about to end, a quick spin of the leadoff track on Locash's "Brothers" will tell you that the formula is still alive and well. The catchy and glossy "One Big Country Song" is an everyman's anthem that equates how our individual journeys in life relate to a country song.

From there, the duo of Preston Burst and Chris Lucas stick with the pleasant contemporary country sound that brought them prior successes with "I Love This Life" and "I Know Somebody." Ironically, they did not stick with their label. "Brothers" is the first project at Wheelhouse Records/BBR Music Group. The duo wanted to create music that "folks can just get lost in for a minute, put their struggles and differences aside and just enjoy the moment." To this end, they succeeded.

The album is filled with radio friendly melodies and songs about old friends, beer, dogs and family. Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard has a co-write credit on the capable title track (one of only three where Preston and Burst have a writing credit) about the special bond of sibling relationship. This is quickly offset by his contribution on the throwaway "Feels Like A Party." Most of the album was produced by Lindsay Rimes who has worked in the sub-genre before with Thomas Rhett.

Bro country has gotten bad rap, and there is not much more here than standard fare here - if that's your thing.