Premiere: SD3, ‘All That I Want’

Kevin Bronson on July 21st, 2016

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Cary Brothers, whose erudite, Britpop-flavored balladry vaulted him out of the singer-songwriter scene and into the mainstream last decade, doesn’t give a whit about being cool. “‘Cool’ is an idea that was sold to young people in the 20th century to make them buy T-shirts and blue jeans,” Brothers says in officially introducing his new project SD3, a quintet that has played around L.A. but until now hasn’t released any music. “‘Fun’ has nothing to do with commerce. It doesn’t cost a thing.”

SD3’s first single “All That I Want,” out Friday, is 1980s music, unapologetically so, though gently nudged forward. Working with producer Bill Lefler, Brothers channels his undeniable ability to write hooks and arms-wide-open choruses into rosy-cheeked synth-pop, absent the acne of irony. It’s music, he says, that’s “not about watching old John Hughes movies. It’s about making new ones.” He adds: “This is not music of rebellion. This is music of acceptance and a place where everyone is invited. We are all one, straight and gay and all colors and creeds. The door is open, and we’d love to have you.”

Brothers, who last week in his solo guise released his second EP of covers (highlighted by versions of Depeche Mode and Til Tuesday), is joined in SD3’s live show by Brandon Walters, Anne Williamson, Daniel Rhine and Sarab Singh. File under: Guys Just Wanna Have Fun.

||| Stream: “All That I Want”