*Harp

The Houstons did right in naming their first album. Still is the kind of record to just sit and absorb. Every song is a thoughtful reflection set to hushed rock ‘n’ roll made up of almost twangy guitars, somber strings and keyboards. In “Magnolia,” in a whispery voice Justin Faircloth dissects a dying love affair, the kind of crumbling bond that’s hard to break in spite of its problems. The striking song sounds like it was recorded in a small room, Faircloth’s voice at the center, with warm strings and loud keys closing in. The effect simulates the kind of intimacy that half comforts, half hurts. “Won’t you lie down, Magnolia?” he begs. “There are certain things we should not question.” Faircloth and brother Matt used to be the duo the Houston Brothers, until they went on hiatus in 2004. They’re back with a shorter band name, a lineup that’s swelled to five and these 11 bittersweet songs.  Crystal K. Wiebe Mar/Apr 2008

*Bullz-Eye.com

Dreamy, lush, indie-inspired pop...breath-taking beauty...a great tone-setter for 2008. - Mike Farley

* Slug Magazine

LUSH AND ORCHESTRAL...BEAUTIFUL...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND STILL - Jennifer Nielsen

*CLTV - Metromix - 1/08

THE HOUSTONS - "STILL"

Charlotte, NC's The Houstons (formerly The Houston Brothers) have their first record out under their new moniker, and have expanded from being a brother duo of Justin and Matt Faircloth to a full-blown quintet. The album is stocked with irresistible folky Americana...yet quite textured, not like a backporch strumming session. It's been in my car CD player for weeks, and it's out this week.

*Allmusic 11/07

After disappearing off the radar for more than a year, The Houston Brothers buried their old act and emerged in a new guise - The Houstons. The duo of drummer Justin and guitaristMatt Faircloth has now expanded to a quintet, although 11 musicians in total are listed on the band's debut Still album. Even so, the siblings haven't entirely broken with their previous incarnation, for the set is steeped in a folky Americana, although the music is far more textured than yore. Matt's expressive acoustic guitar is still the fulcrum of the songs, while Justin's rhythms are now bolstered by bass, and washed n sublime atmospheres conjured up by the other instruments.

Songs like "Magnolia" and "When the Morning Comes" are enriched with strings, "Running of the Bulls" features particularly gorgeous piano, New Wave-y synth stirs through "Hardwoods", while the delicate "Frozen Woods" is gently warmed by strings, keyboards, and electric guitar. Although an overwhelmingly mood drenched set, the emphatic "Carry On", the driving pop-laced "Providence", and the vivacious "Thinking It Over" provide brighter splashes of light and color.

The themes are equally evocative, most revolving around complicated relationships and internal confusion. The ofttimes wry lyrics are occasionally obscure, but linger regardless, with lines like "my love is a hand grenade and you want to pull the pin" or "we were scared of missing out on something missing" sure to be turned over and over in one's head.

The music is sublime, the songs shimmer, smolder, or sparkle in turn, while even at their bleakest, the intensity and honesty of the lyrics leave an indelible mark. A phenomenal new beginning.

*Creative Loafing Charlotte 2006

"The Houstons are kinda hard to nail simply because they stir up so many different emotions when you listen to them play. It's almost like watching the sun set. It sets a peaceful, laid back mood with a hint of sadness as you say goodbye to another passing day but then there's a sense of invigoration and a tinge of mystery as you feel thankful to be moving forward and curious as to what lies ahead. In other words, it's warm, heady stuff that you can really get lost in." Lynn Farris

*Best Indie Band, Best Home Studio 2004
Creative Loafing Charlotte 8/04

"The Houston Brothers' Justin and Matt Faircloth were impressive as a duo masquerading as a quartet. But the addition of drummer Shawn Lynch added a new, louder component to both the band's songs and live shows. From gentle sketches to all-out crescendo pandemonium, the Houstons have proven it live and in the studio."

*Creative Loafing Magazine Group 2004
One of 21 Bands to watch in the Southeast

*Left Off The Dial 12/03

I really can't say enough about how good this album sounds. (I'm) very impressed. This is quality. Jake Cansado,

*Best Local Band

Best Album Released in Last 12 Months (tie)
Creative Loafing, August 2003

*No Depression 10.03, Timothy C. Davis

The band's music? Dead-on Houston, or anywhere where there's plenty of room to roam. Ostensibly a mix of steel, hazy pedal-driven guitar and brushed drums, it's driving music -- in either interpretation of the word.

The laid-back harmonies of brothers Matt and Justin Faircloth (nee Houston) always seem to be comprised of equal parts resignation and rejoicing, and the mid-tempo shuffle of the songs works perfectly whether one's settling in for the evening or preparing to take the town by storm. In a word, balance.

*Creative Loafing 6.11.03

In 16 words, The Houston Brothers is one of the best albums released by a local band in ages.
Davis

*Creative Loafing 12.19.01

The Houston Brothers are one such outfit (consisting of Matt and Justin Faircloth) that creates a jazzy aura of moody, ambient sounds with warm acoustic and electric instruments. The multi-instrumentalists released i take care of you recently, and it's one of the most potent records to run across my desk the whole year. - Samir Shukla