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CD
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GOG 003CD
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Brix & The Extricated release their third studio album in as many years, and the band have changed gears once again. Super Blood Wolf Moon sees the band decimate dimensional boundaries resulting in a body of work that is sure to resonate. Super Blood Wolf Moon is both challenging and addictive in equal measure. At times it touches on dark emotional pain and at other points reaches euphoric bliss. This is an album that has diversity with a focused thread throughout. The record combines top level musicality with deep hypnotic grooves and elements of unforgiving brutality. As has come to be expected, this record is loaded with melodic hooks, riffs, and infectious choruses. These musical devices however simply act as a portal to the beating heart of this band which is the art of songwriting itself. The guitar work is at times dangerous, edgy, and transcendent. The conversational relationship between Jason Brown and Steve Trafford shows a high level of musical intelligence and an intuitive sense of freedom. The legendary Hanley Brother rhythm section are true to form as the engine room of this band. Additional strings and harpsichord, arranged by Sarah Brandwood-Spencer, bring a rich spectral elegance. Lyrically, Smith Start speaks honestly about the uncomfortableness of depression, drug addiction, death, and loss. There is more social commentary on this record than its predecessors with songs like "Dinosaur Girl" (over medicating culture), "Strange Times" (global feeling of despair), and "Wasteland" (climate change and destruction of the environment). Smith Start reflects on pack mentality and the freedom to show your scars in the song "Wolves" and the juxtaposing "Crash Landing" deals with drug overdose and suicide. The album closes with the epic, glorious, and deeply moving "The God Stone" which breaks all bounds of expectation.
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LP
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GOG 002LP
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Brix & The Extricated return with Breaking State, on which they have pushed the sonic boundaries set by their debut, Part 2 (2017). While retaining much of what was loved about Part 2, this record demonstrates musical muscle and rapid growth of artistic intent. While the sonic thread of their time in The Fall is still clearly evident, there are many surprises and unexpected corners throughout Breaking State. This album is packed with seriously infectious choruses and killer guitar work. Each of the ten songs is rifled with the gut-wrenching power chords, driving riffs and technical dexterity of Jason Brown's guitar contrasted against the delicate beauty of Steve Trafford's moody, atmospheric, transportative soundscapes. Transparent purple vinyl.
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CD
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GOG 001CD
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Brix & The Extricated return with Breaking State, on which they have pushed the sonic boundaries set by their debut, Part 2 (2017). While retaining much of what was loved about Part 2, this record demonstrates musical muscle and rapid growth of artistic intent. While the sonic thread of their time in The Fall is still clearly evident, there are many surprises and unexpected corners throughout Breaking State. This album is packed with seriously infectious choruses and killer guitar work. Each of the ten songs is rifled with the gut-wrenching power chords, driving riffs and technical dexterity of Jason Brown's guitar contrasted against the delicate beauty of Steve Trafford's moody, atmospheric, transportative soundscapes. Smith Start comes into her own as a vocalist here delivering every word with intent while emotionally engaging the listener and resetting the bar of expectation stepping out of preconceived, conditioned perceptions of previously well-trodden paths. Vocally, we hear a voice that ranges from vulnerable delicacy to the battle cry of a warrior. The addition of strings adds a surprise multi-dimensional emotional texture throughout, seamlessly supporting Start's message. At times the strings hark back to the golden age of Hollywood glamour, resulting in a wonderful collision where MGM meets post-punk rainy Manchester. Lyrically,this album is a metamorphosis and transformation moving from black-and-white to full blown Technicolor. Breaking State is a deeply personal album, written from truth.
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