Euphonic Brew is a multi-faceted musical mixture centered around the songwriting and arrangements of Brandon Matsook (vocals, bass, occasional guitar) and Mike Willis (keys, occasional vocals and other instruments). These two long-time friends and bandmates mix a stunning variety of influences and styles, blending the elements of funk, rhythm & blues, and art-pop to make songs that defy classification, all held together by the duo's consistent insistence on head-bobbing grooves and memorable melodies.
In the band's short history thus far, these two have had great help in shaping their music from some fabulous musicians, especially in the live music sphere. Early on, guitarist Matt Enos and drummer Chad Friedman helped round out the sound, while later guitarist Todd Knepp and drummer Mitchell Thompson added their own unique and powerful twists.
In 2009, Euphonic Brew's second album, In a Sea of Stained Glass, was nominated for Album of the Year honors by Leeway's Homegrown Music Network:
"The moment that Euphonic Brew’s lead track, “Green, Red, Gray, Pink” off the Summer 2008 release, “In a Sea of Stained Glass” starts to spin, one is immediately transported ahead in time…or is it back?.Whimsical lyrics and booty-shakin’ rhythms discovered in “Delusions” promise you’ll be humming that chorus the rest of the day. Willis continues with a George Harrison-like story of real life trials, a day in the life, with “Storytellers".Matsook's calming, mesmerizing lyrics found in “Saltless Tears” and “Death of a Leprechaun” gives us time to reflect upon our own lives with a swell of ivory and bass.One thing is for certain, after listening to “In a Sea of Stained Glass”, ask Euphonic Brew who their influences are, and you are sure to be handed a full spectrum of artists spanning decades and genres. .The foundation of Pittsburgh's Euphonic Brew seems to be unshakeable."
- By E.G. Harris of the Home Grown Music Network
But in late 2009, the pressures of trying to fund and arrange constant life on the road became too much, and Willis and Sook disbanded the touring unit to concentrate on pushing the music forward alone. This current stage of Euphonic Brew is a purely studio-based outfit.
