SYML is the solo venture of Brian Fennell, who was previously part of the indie band Barcelona. SYML released his eponymous debut album on May 3, 2019, through Nettwerk Records. Now we have a new release, The Day My Father Died to inspire us. We have covered one-man creative efforts throughout our tenure, including the Bahamas by Afie Jurvane, and know that many strong band members stand behind/beside these great creators.
Fennell performs under the solo project SYML, Welsh for “simple” and pronounced “sim-muhl,” inspired by his heritage from his biological parents, who are Welsh. His experience grappling with his adoption and heritage influences his songwriting. Brian’s vocals might be compared to Bon Iver to the casual listener. Listen with good headphones or earbuds, like the top-rated Bose Quiet Comfort. You will hear a unique voice crafted by Brian Fennell after working with his college grad friends in Barcelona and, more recently, collaborating with Lana Del Ray. There is abundant Brian Fennell, Barcelona, and SYML band information online, so we will not replicate/regurgitate any here. Today’s journey began with a live acoustic set of new songs featured on 91.7 WICB radio and the KEXP studio (10/2022) show featured in this article.
CR’s Take
Recommended
Score 77
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Headphone
This wireless Bluetooth model from Bose delivers very good sound quality and active noise reduction, combining elements of in-ear and earbud earphones. These earphones have an isolating design and an ambient sound monitoring feature; they will provide some muffling and electronic canceling of external noises and reduce the amount of sound that escapes from the earpieces. As such, they are best for those who want highly portable earphones that reduce the noise they hear from their surroundings or don’t want the sound from the earpieces to disturb others.
About this item
INTRODUCING QuietComfort EARBUDS II: These new wireless, Bluetooth, noise-canceling earbuds from Bose weren’t designed with a one-size-fits-all approach. These next-generation wireless earbuds are engineered to fit you. They intelligently personalize the noise cancellation and sound performance for uninterrupted, immersive listening wherever you are. To ensure all-day comfort and a secure fit, they come with three pairs of ear tips and three pairs of custom stability bands to find the best fit for your ears. Own your uniqueness with sound and fit shaped to you.
BOSE World’s Best NOISE CANCELLING EARBUDS: QuietComfort Earbuds II intelligently personalize the noise cancellation and sound performance to your ears to enjoy deep, immersive sound and the world’s best noise cancellation. August 2022. Conclusions derived by Bose Corp., based on ANC measurements made by Michael & Assoc., Inc. per ANSI/ASA S12.42-2010
BOSE COMFORTABILITY: To ensure your wireless earbuds feel comfortable and stay put no matter what you’re doing, QC Earbuds II comes with a Bose Fit Kit. The convenient Fit Kit includes three pairs of ear tips and three pairs of stability bands made from soft silicone for all-day comfort and a secure fit.
WIRELESS & EASY TO USE: Use the simple touch interface on the wireless earbuds to control everything. This convenient interface frees your hands so you can stay focused on whatever you’re doing. With simple swipes and taps, play or pause music, the noise cancellation level, all without touching your phone. Note: If you face an issue with Bluetooth connectivity, please turn off the Bluetooth function for a couple of minutes, then turn it back on
LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Stay absorbed in the music you love for up to 6 hours. When not in use, store your Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II in the portable charging case — it’s small enough to fit in your pocket. If the battery gets low, voice prompts let you know. Out of power and don’t have enough time to charge fully? The quick-charge option provides up to 2 hours of battery life from a 20-minute charge.
ADVANCED BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY: To ensure your earbuds stay connected to your device, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offers advanced Bluetooth 5.3 capability. This newest generation of Bluetooth technology offers a strong, continuous connection as long as you’re within 30 feet of the paired device. The earbuds keep track of the last seven paired devices to easily swap between them without reconnecting.
BOSE MUSIC APP: The Bose Music app guides you through setup. Use the app to access your preferences, including noise cancellation levels, Bluetooth connections, shortcuts, and more.
SYML – Full Performance (Live on KEXP)
http://KEXP.ORG presents SYML performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded October 16, 2022.
00:30 Believer 5:20 Corduroy 9:00 You and I 12:06 Where’s my love
Brian Fennell – Guitar / Vocals
Brian Eichelberger – Bass / Piano / Violin / Vocals
Abby Gundersen – Vocals
Zawadi Morrow – Wurlitzer / Violin
Ulf Wahlgren – Drums
Host: Troy Nelson
Audio Engineer: Julian Martlew
Audio Mastering: Ian Davidson
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Carlos Cruz & Scott Holpainen
Editor: Carlos Cruz
“MUSIC IS OBVIOUSLY A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN BE MOVED BY, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NO WORDS SOMETIME.”
SYML – Live at Fraser (Full Set)
October 29, 2017 – On a rain-soaked Sunday evening, Seattle-based SYML (Brian Fennell) performs live in the Fraser Performance Studio at WGBH in Boston. We got a chance to sit down with SYML before the show to talk about his search for identity and how that search has inspired his music. He also shares the story behind his stage moniker and some of the funnier made-up acronyms for SYML.
Supporting SYML from the Berklee College of Music:
Yijun Huang – violin
Tania Mesa – violin
Cristobal Cruz Garcia – cello
Shaochia Lee – cello
Set list: Hurt For Me 0:56 Wildfire 5:12 Better 10:58 Fear Of The Water 16:00 Leave Like That 23:25 Mr. Sandman (cover) 27:28 The War 32:16 Where’s My Love 38:26
Video Credits:
Greg Shea – Director/Camera/Editor
Alan Mattes – Audio Recording & Mix
Chris Voss – Host/Interviewer
Jess Barnthouse – Camera
Stacy Buchanan – Camera
Jasraj Padhye – Camera
Kyler Shea – Camera
Phil Reilly & Greg Shea – Lighting
SYML Live at AB – Ancienne Belgique
SYML’s full set from his 14 October 2019 concert in Brussels, Belgium at AB – Ancienne Belgique. Intro (0:00) The Bird (2:05) WDWGILY (6:51) Connor (11:14) Animal (16:00) Girl (20:57) Before You Knew It Was Me (25:03) Meant To Stay Hid (29:02) Wildfire (35:13) Break Free (39:32) Body (43:17) Bed (48:17) Flags (53:18) Where’s My Love (57:18) Clean Eyes (1:01:53) Mr. Sandman (cover The Chordettes) (1:05:30) Everything All At Once (1:09:42)
Oana Cernat: Tell me three songs that everyone should hear.
SYML: I think the new Bon Iver is great, he had a song that is called “Hey, Ma” that is amazing, and also “Faith” is amazing too on that album. “Don’t Miss It” by James Blake is also beautiful and the new project of Brandi Carlile called “The Highwomen” with the song that I really love: “If She Ever Leaves Me”.
