your greedbagBrassy
profiles
Muffin Spencer - Vocals and guitarStefan Gordon - Guitar
Karen Frost - Bass and vocals
Jonny Barrington (a.k.a. DJ Swett) - Drums and decks
Brassy, a four piece with more spunk than Ron Jeremy were formed in the late-ish 90’s when friends Muffin Spencer, Stefan Gordan, and Jonny Barrington decided that nowhere in modern music could they find as thrilling a mixture of aggressive guitars and catchy beats as the one they heard in their heads. The band was complete when Karen Frost was discovered, along with her ability to play bass.
Three singles were released on UK independent imprint Costermonger, countless gigs were played, and the introduction of Jonny’s long-held scratching techniques (his dad ran a mobile disco in the early ‘80’s) to the live show followed. At some point along this way Wiiija/Beggars Group came along and signed the band.
In 1999 they released the Bonus Beats EP, as well as the EP, ‘I Can’t Wait’ – both in the UK only. The EPs were met with a flurry of praise from the media and plenty of Radio One spins. Live, the band continued to build up an enthusiastic and loyal fan base. 2000 kicked off with Brassy’s 3rd Wiiija single, again UK only, the excellent ‘Work It.’
It wasn’t until 2001, with the release of their debut album, ‘Got it Made,’ that the US finally got to hear what all the fuss was about. ‘Got it Made’ melded assertive vocals, hard beats and garage guitars; the sound of the Shangri La’s produced by Schoolly D. The DIY aesthetics of hip-hop and punk aren’t that far removed and Brassy’s love of both was evident as they combined them throughout.
‘Got it Made’ was a high thrill energy buzz made for parties, made to be danced to - “if you can’t dance to it then what’s the point?” asks Muffin... and she succeeded. As one NME journalist observed “ Each song hits the spot so perfectly, so naturally you’d think all pop music was meant for dancing”. Entertainment Weekly said, “Audaciously wedding punk, new wave, and hip-hop, Manchester England’s Brassy avoid potential embarrassment and come up with one spunky party record instead”
These days Brassy is divided between the sprawling metropolises of Manchester, England and New York. Their second album, ‘Gettin Wise’ has been two years in the making, and, boy, did we miss them while they were away... In the world of two minute pop stars, bling this, bling that and ‘New Rock Revolution’ garage dredge, thank god they’re back. With their sussed and sassy blend of punky swagger and hip-hop sensibilities, Brassy exude an edgy, raw energy, yet manage to create perfect pop at the same time. From the catchy ‘Hit ‘em Hard’, right through to the funked-up ‘1-0-0’, each track is a like a short, sharp adrenaline shot of catchy hooklines, beats, punky guitars and funky basslines.
The album has 14 tracks plus 3 interludes yet is only 41 minutes long...you work it out. There’s no self-indulgent guitar trickery or tiresome drum solos, just a series of short sharp adrenalin fixes and like the most addictive of drugs from the first hit you’ll find yourself hooked.
And now, 2003 beckons as does the second Brassy albums release. More to follow......
links
- http://www.beggars.com (label)
- http://www.wiiija.com (label)