Feeling the Heat with Brother Rust
Brother Rust might be a new name to the DMV music scene, but after sojourning in Colorado, this Maryland native is bringing the heat with “Wheelin’ and Dealin’.” Written by Charles Spence, this easy-going, roots rock ballad is filled with great instrumental performances, shark skin lead vocals, and an absolute earworm hook.
The narrator in “Wheelin’ and Dealin’” has never seen “the lights on broadway” but, in an understated way, recognizes there are trade-offs in life. Broadway lights sound cool, but with the right approach to negotiation, one could be “feelin’ the heat from the stars” in place of, and that’s a whole lot cooler. There’s something cryptic about these lyrics, with references to witnesses you can’t rely on, keeping secrets, and “telling lies to the night,” but the catchy chorus ties it all together. “Wheelin’ and Dealin’” is about navigating wants and needs to make it all work. It may not be a simple transaction, but if you’re willing to “find your way on your own dime,” you’re ready to give it a shot.
“Wheelin’ and Dealin’” is a sonic buffet for fans of Americana music, or whatever label you like best for sturdy, lyric-focused music, performed together on real instruments. The slide guitar leads throughout the song are lovely: warm, melodic, and just a tad bit gritty (like the vocals). The acoustic guitar strum is broad and relaxed, and gives the song a sense of space. The electric guitar adds sizzle and drive. A classic rock-styled piano line sits right in the pocket, filling in space and leading across chords. The bass work is immaculate: subtle at first, but growing over time with the energy of the song. With tambourine, shakers, and rock-steady drums, the percussion builds and sustains energy across the song with earnestness and intentionality. Finally, an organ enters to liven up the second verse and builds into the following chorus.
Right around the two and a half minute mark, Brother Rust shows some real magic. The band falls away leaving acoustic guitar and shaker for four measures. The slide guitar knifes, twists, and sways as the organ and bass reenter, the latter providing a strong low melody. Piano and electric guitar rejoin, then at 3:09 the guitars all fall away and the horns take over. Trading a couple licks, a saxophone and trumpet take us to a hard stop, and then the full groove returns on another chorus. In this chorus, stronger harmony vocals join, panned hard to the right ear, as the horns and guitars continue to build to the end of the song.
“Wheelin’ and Dealin’” is a groovy song — great for summer night drives with the windows down, or any time you need music to get where you’re going. Brother Rust’s whole High & Lonesome Life album boasts this same kind of rich, full-band Americana feel with heartfelt vocals and songwriting.
“Wheelin’ and Dealin’” was released on February, 2nd, 2025.