Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham – “Pigs Might Fly”

Doris Brendel, daughter of world acclaimed pianist Alfred Brendel, is about to release her 5^th album with Lee Dunham; Pigs Might Fly, on Sky Rocket Records; this September 11th. Pigs Might Fly, follows three years after their acclaimed album release, Mass Hysteria.

Doris was the distinctive vocalist behind 1990s alternative rockers, The Violet Hour. Pigs Might Fly also features Sam White on drums, Jacob Stoney on keyboards and Ewan McIntosh on bass, along with, of course, multi-instrumentalist, Lee Dunham.

Lee Dunham, (ex-Primary Slave), decided to mix the album himself after extensive studio investment, but John Mitchell, (Lonely Robot, It Bites), did the mastering once again.

Over the last few years, Doris Brendel has toured extensively with Wishbone Ash and Fish; also singing backing vocals for Fish and his last album Weltschmerz, released in 2020. Doris designed the stunning artwork, for the cover of Pigs Might Fly, along with artist Ian Foxon.

Every track on the album is a keeper. The opener, and title track, (with a Pink Floyd inspired title), sounds more like traditional progressive rock, along the lines of maybe Styx or Kansas. Imagine a female singer with a traditional favorite song from either of these bands, with a British sound to it.

When you hear Doris’ voice for the first time, you understand what makes her stand out. She really has a unique raspy sound, which separates her from so many other artists in the field of progressive rock. It is understandable why every artist wants her voice on their album.

“Better the Devil You Know”, is a full-fledged rocker, with more guitar and heavier drums. Excellent guitar riffs and sounds throughout.

“Fight Fire With Fire”, is not a cover of the famous, early ‘80s classic, from Kansas, at all. (Though I wish it had been). It is more of a mysterious keyboard and drum duo that thrills in its own way. One of Doris’ best vocal performances. The intricate guitar and bass sounds are very memorable.

“Good Deed of the Day”, has kinda of a western/blues feel to it. They add piano to take this Vaudevillian romp and stomp over the edge. One of the best tracks on the album. The piano is excellent, and the blues guitar stellar.

“Ghost”, has some cool electric guitar sounds at its opening, along with some great acoustic percussion and acoustic guitar work. The keyboard inventions are also well appreciated.

“I Saw You”, is a deep song full of wonderful vocals from Doris and expert piano. The guitar chords are also innovative.

“Rock and A Hard Place”, is just what you thought it might be. An early Steely Dan, (remember, Can’t Buy a Thrill or Countdown to Ecstasy?), kinda rocker, until it picks up pace later, and roars into overdrive. This sing compliments this album well.

“Rorschach”, opens with great acoustic guitar, whistle, and piano. Doris sings, “I still don’t see butterflies”, (commenting on the traditional projective psychological test). The guitar work is wonderful, and the orchestration is perfect.

“Still Waters”, is the longest track on the album at 7:15 minutes. It opens with beautiful piano and Doris’ vocals. The electric guitar work is simply the best on the album. And from the beginning, I could tell this was gonna be the best song on the album. My favorite, by far.

“Truth Needs No Colors”, has an ‘80s synth and bump kinda rock sound to it. The keyboard sounds are excellent, when they are given space. The ending gets even better. More cool drums and cymbals and the electric guitar chords later, sound like cats fighting, excellent!

“White Rose”, is a beautiful piano song at the opening with whistle and soft drum, and perfectly added percussion and bass. Another of the best songs on the album.

This album was a great introduction to Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham. I hadn’t heard Doris’ voice or any of their albums before. So this was a great discovery to me. If you like modern and ‘80s style progressive rock and music you will enjoy this album. My favorite songs were by far, “Good Deed of the Day”, “Still Waters”, “Truth Needs No Colors”, and “White Rose”. You cannot go wrong with Pigs Might Fly. A nice surprise during this quiet time for new music during the year.

Track List