This is the album that essentially introduced the world to
Brother and its energetic style of Australian Celtic rock. Exhaustive North American tours accompanied this release as
Brother graced the stage of any festival that would have them. While their previous album
Pipe Dreams was basically a showcase for their collective piping abilities (as it consisted primarily of instrumental Scottish bagpipe tunes),
Exit From Screechville is comprised of band originals featuring a new sound. Bagpipes still play an integral role for the group, but now in a very contemporary and backup manner. Crisply produced by
Ross Hogarth, this release combines sophisticated album rock with engaging vocal harmonies along with the expected Highland pipes and occasional didgeridoo, but bears little resemblance to the band that only one year earlier performed "Amazing Grace" and "Scotland the Brave" with every bit as much conviction as the most esteemed Scottish bagpipe ensembles. With more of an emphasis on rock & roll,
Brother curtails its traditional foundation significantly in favor of electric guitars and driving rhythms. Future albums would reveal that this was only the band's first step in transforming to a more mainstream Celtic rock sound. ~ Dave Sleger