Although he played in bands for many years, Mike Browning is a newcomer to the recording scene. Cutting discs was not even on his radar until he serendipitously ran into Spongetones leader Jamie Hoover at a Dairy Queen in Oak Island, N.C. one Sunday afternoon.
Being a major fan of the Spongetones, Browning was obviously thrilled to meet Hoover. During their conversation, Hoover mentioned he was teaching a recording and production course at a local community college. Browning eagerly signed on, and since 2020 he has delivered a trio of highly touted efforts.
Handling vocals, songwriting and a brace of instruments, Mike Browning proved to be a natural fit for the studio. His debut EP, Never Too Late, efficiently exemplified his skills for crafting punchy pop-rock gems.
The subsequent project was a single, “Another Bite at the Apple,” trailed by the full-length album Class Act that featured covers of Browning’s prime influences, tapping the likes of the Beach Boys, XTC, the Kinks, the Beatles and the Byrds.
To hold us over until his next album materializes, Browning has issued a single “Raise It Up,” which is distributed by Mike Drop Music. Navigated by Browning’s pure and friendly vocals, the spirited song encourages bonding together, expanding the consciousness and experiencing joy and happiness in life.
On “Raise It Up,” Mike Browning is joined by a group of other vocalists, including Jamie Hoover, who he sings the harmony bridge with. Warm and mesmerizing, the track strides in time to a ringing rhythm of strummy folk-oriented guitars and a bright and sunny chorus.
Casting a hymn-ish quality, “Raise It Up” is a lovely and inspiring anthem not to be missed. Bravo!
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