Does The Brook & The Bluff have a new sound?

Release of their fifth album ‘Werewolf’, debuted over the weekend

By Hal Reed

The Brook & The Bluff, an indie rock quintet originally from Alabama and now based in Nashville, have built a loyal following over the past decade through their signature of layered vocal harmonies. Their latest album, “Werewolf” will mark the start of the band’s spring tour, featuring all the new hits.

I first came across the band when they opened for Ashe in 2022. As a fun side note, that tour led to something more personal for the band, drummer John Canada met Ashe during the show, and the two started dating. Fast forward to today, and they were married just a few months ago.

Ever since seeing them live, I’ve been a huge fan of their music. With the rush of hearing their live album “First Place”, it was clear that the band’s energy on stage translated just as well into their recordings. That same momentum carried into their 2023 release “Bluebeard”, which once again showcased their relaxed indie grooves and smooth vocals.

Now, with their newest album, “Werewolf”, released March 6, 2026, marks something of a reset for the band.

After years on the road, the members stepped back from touring to spend time writing and rehearsing, channeling all the collective skills into the new record. The result is an album that leans more heavily into guitar driven rock while still holding onto mesmerizing vocal blends and melodic instincts that made the band stand out in the first place.

The album has bold guitar riffs, layered harmonies and a classic rock influence reminiscent of artists like Steve Miller Band and The Beatles at the same time. The record mixes in new sounds while still creating original tones and new interpretation.

Two tracks that really highlight the range of the record are “Baby Blue” and “Super Bowl Sunday.” The contrast between them almost feels like a glimpse of where The Brook & The Bluff have been and where they are heading.

“Baby Blue” leans more into the sound longtime fans are used to. It carries that smooth, harmony-driven style the band built their reputation on, with a relaxed tempo and warm melodies that feel reminiscent of their earlier work. The track feels familiar in the best way, the kind of song that highlights their signature vocal layering and laid-back indie groove.

“Super Bowl Sunday”, on the other hand, flips that energy completely. The song jumps out with a faster tempo and bigger, more driving instrumentation that reflects the newer direction the band explores across “Werewolf.” It feels more energetic and urgent, almost like it was built for the intense energy that defines their live shows.

That contrast is what makes the pairing so fun on the album. “Baby Blue” reminds listeners why the band’s earlier sound worked so well, while “Super Bowl Sunday” shows how they are evolving. And honestly, with its upbeat pace and catchy momentum, “Super Bowl Sunday” might end up being my favorite track on the entire record.

In the end, “Werewolf” feels like the sound of a band hitting its stride. The Brook & The Bluff successfully balance their signature harmonies with a bigger, more guitar driven energy that makes the album feel alive from start to finish. It’s a record that highlights both how far the band has come and where they’re headed next, making the album an easy 5 out of 5.