Today marks the arrival of Brandon Markell Holmes’ new full-length album Try, a vibrant fusion of house, deep house, R&B, soul, and experimental pop. Released via toucan sounds, this album showcases Brandon’s unique vocal power and emotional depth, delivering a genre-blurring experience that’s as heartfelt as it is danceable.
The record kicks off strong with the title track, featuring Tony G, setting an upbeat and soulful tone right from the start. Try isn’t just about rhythm; it’s a powerful statement of intent, a love letter to perseverance wrapped in infectious grooves and rich vocals. Among the highlights is the first single, FTW, co-written with TikTok sensation Silvan Strauss and produced alongside Robert PM, whose sleek production adds a polished, adventurous edge. This track recalls the daring vibes of N.E.R.D at their peak, blending experimental sounds with glossy vocals. The chemistry between Brandon and Robert PM continues across the album with gems like It Goes On, featuring Joey Mercedes, a slow-burning dancefloor anthem with an irresistibly catchy bassline. Then there’s Es Pa Ti, which turns introspection into celebration.
The artist also taps into nostalgia with Losing Side, a smooth 80s/90s R&B slow jam reimagined for today’s ears. Meanwhile, Silence & Monogamy, featuring Robert PM and FUTVRST, stretches deep house into cinematic territory, offering an immersive listening experience.
Brandon says when asked about Try, "This album explores the paradox of human ambition, the relentless drive to transcend limitations and manifest desired realities through sheer force of will. Each track chronicles the journey of pushing beyond conventional boundaries, capturing both the triumph of breakthrough and the inevitable stumbling that occurs when we try so intensely that we lose our footing. The collection sits with the uncomfortable truth that even our greatest achievements, born from beautiful desperation, leave us to reckon with forces larger than our ambition. This is the sound of the gap between what we can force into being and what we must ultimately accept: an exploration of the impressive yet internally devastating nature of getting exactly what we fought for, only to discover that nature always has the final word in how things unfold.”
