"Sophistication is rare in pop music. You don't reach the lowest common denominator adding complications or nuances. The Brew strike the rare happy balance between catchiness and cleverness, tossing out numbers that wouldn't sound out of place next to the Dave Matthews Band, but making sure much of their work has a creamy thickness (instrumentally, "Looking Down" and "First of Things" could be Steely Dan outtakes, and "Black Train" echoes Joe Jackson on a good day). There's a well-harnessed togetherness to every element on Back To The Woods (self-released), all propelled by dead sturday songcraft, clean production, solid chops and lead singer [Chris Plante's] inviting croon.

The lyrics are almost painfully earnest; the railing of young men against big troubles (often relationship related), but The Brew's utter sincerity carries these sentiments over well. One is reminded of the frothing bile and stiff jaw of early U2, yet delivered with the sugary lilt of someone like The Barenaked Ldies. The Brew is an odd mix in this regard - heavy themes with a very radio friendly delivery. They evoke O.A.R. in their modern romanticism at times, but are far more lyrically successful when they relax a bit, as on the positively intoxicating "Definitions," which brings to mind James Taylor in its primo folk-pop-iness, or the gently experimental title track, which hints at weird depths I'd love to hear them explore."

Dennis Cook, Jambase review of Back To The Woods

"Saturday night, the beer tent belonged to one of New England's hottest rock acts, as The Brew served up their blend of classic rock for three sets. And with festival fans already well serviced, their rock went down cold and thick like a finely fermented ale.

"Hunter's Moon" got things started, as fans were settling into what these cats had on tap. Chris Plante's serene vocals and vivid piano led the way while guitarist David Drouin had chops as solid as any young guiar slinger on the scene. Late in their second set with many festival fans drinking it down, the band added its secret ingredient - a wailing cover of Boston's "Foreplay/Long Time" with Drouin an absolute dead ringer vocally for the late Brad Delp - drawing one of the largest cheers of the weekend. The band closed its final set with "Chance Reaching," with dueling guitar and piano and sinewy singing from Plante. Over three rocking sets, The Brew fermented well and turned on a bevy of new fans at moe.down."

Jambase review of moedown 9

"Love this record, 4.5 stars because these guys have some room to grow, but there is definately something special going on here. "Jam" bands often get a bad rap as far as singing and songwriting goes, The Brew has these skills in spades. Singing is wonderful, especially the lead vocals, songs are well crafted and original. Although this band will blow your doors off with extended jams in a live setting, they keep their studio efforts concise and focused. Influences are refreshing ranging from The Beatles to Genesis, Pink Floyd and Steely Dan. Their sound however, is all their own. Buy this record if you like good music, period."

Amazon.com fan review of Back To The Woods

"For those who don't know, The Brew is the best band out there. Not only do they have top notch jams to put them in the category of bands like The Dead and Phish, but they have unbelievable songwriting skills, and VOICES. A lot of jam bands lack the entire package, but not these guys. I think everyone can find a Brew tune that they enjoy. That says a lot! You guys are awesome!!"

Archive.org fan review of a Brew live show

"Ever want to get in on a band before they hit? Well here's your chance. The raw talent within The Brew is unmistakable. There are plenty of "wow" moments to appease the biggest head, yet their logical syncopation should be enough to tame the most technical critic."

Archive.org fan review of a Brew live show