The Brakes are a genuine rock and roll band at first glance. However given a closer look, elements of folk, jazz and even post-rock reveal themselves, making their sound a distinct intertwining of American music, held together by insightful lyrics and memorable songs. Their musicality shines through as the members switch instruments, trading guitars, basses and keyboards for trumpets and saxophones. The band's success is evident in the range of acts that this band has shared the bill with: Dave ... (more)Matthews Band to The Hold Steady, Live to Willie Nelson & John Fogerty.

Tom Hamilton is only in his mid-'20s, but the guitarist/singer commands his nursery of American Babies with all the seasoned know-how of someone twice his age. The band is filled out by some heavy hitting Brooklyn based musicians; guitarist Scott Metzger