Brix and the Extricated – Beat Generator, Dundee 02.03.19
Dundee is fast becoming the place to be for many bands who make the journey north of Edinburgh as far as gigs are concerned. This venue has seen Brix bring her band here three times in the last 2 years and they have rewarded the faithful crowd with this “mini” northern run of dates to celebrate the release of the album “Breaking State”. As we will find out, a fitting title as the band shake off the shackles of “The Fall”. There’s two support bands on the bill tonight that will demonstrate there’s great talent in Scotland and it deserves to be to be heard.
Drainpipe
First up and fresh from the recent Independent Week gig held here at Beat Generator in early February, that featured a wealth of northern talent including Rascalton, Strange Bones and Drainpipe. This local band have the opportunity to air their material to a slightly more mature audience than last month. As the set starts, the self pro-claimed lo-fi shoe gaze rockers demonstrate an energy and a rawness similar to the early 90’s Seattle sound, which is followed up by some great indie guitar work not unlike Rascalton. After a rather energetic start, you can hear the influence of Mogwai. With more than a passing resemblance to their peers, the young band try their utmost to replicate the brilliance of the west coast band. At times, there was a frailty in some of the vocal deliveries but the waves of sound kept the ethereal performance on track. After the opening few songs, Calum Dunnet joins the melee to play violin and it’s a great addition to the overall musical offering. It’s a wall of sound for the most part but with interludes of tender melodies. The final song sees frontman Michael Tonner swap roles with Lewis Walker as he moves onto the drums. Both seem to relish the swap and there’s a resounding finish to the set.
Wozniak
There’s an incredible array of foot pedals across the entire width of the stage. No room for shoe-gazing on this stage but they will be put to good use as Wozniak leave the capital to play Dundee tonight. They have a new release on offer, “Space Between The Trees” and the band start with “Slacker” from the new E.P. Right from the beginning of the set, there’s a haunting tenderness to the music. Simon and Sarah Cuthbert-Kerr’s swirling guitars are hypnotic. The subtle and delicate changes are underpinned by the tuneful bass. “Karate Kid” see’s Kevin Fraser’s bass provide the backbone to the song as the guitars are left to dance and sing in the ether. Massive swathes of chords and notes feedback through out and only the drums tie down the sound or we’d drift off with the haunting melodies. This is shoe-gaze at it’s best. Wozniak are masters of the genre like their name sake from the electronic giant. It’s a mighty strong name to be measured against but this Wozniak is up to the challenge. Another track from the E.P. sees “Bone Caves” show the beauty of their craft. The set finishes with a track from the bands full length album “Courage Reels”. The expansive soundscape “Scottish Dancer” builds and reaches a crescendo as the band take their leave from the stage.
Brix and the Extricated
For someone who is forthright and accessible, there’s still a charm and allure about Brix that is unexplainable. She’s had a weird and wonderful past all of which has been well documented but still, the mystery is there. The audience await her appearance but it’s Steve Hanley that takes the stage first as he straps on his bass and we hear the opening track of “Breaking State”. As the rest of the band join in, Brix is lead to the stage wearing a blind fold. A dramatic appearance and very fitting as she sings “total blackout in Alaska”. The Extricated have built on the first album and “Breaking State” is well represented this evening. Like a phoenix from the flames, Brix has had a re-birth with the band, she has exorcised herself from the past and the cathartic process has seen the rise through the new songs. There is passion and intensity in every performance and it’s evident within every member of the band. The set continues with “Pneumatic Violet” from the first album “part 2” and quickly followed by “Prime Numbers” and “HC”, which is an early highlight of the set. I witness the lyrics being mouthed by those at the barrier, mesmerised by Brix as she captives her audience.
Brix welcomes Dundee and introduces the next song “Vanity” where she explains how the lyrics were a result of a visit to India where she witnessed bodies float down the ganges and she wanted to write about the moment the spirit leaves the body. The haunting guitar work of Steve Trafford and Jason Brown offset Brix’s voice. There’s a complete change in mood in the set as two more tracks from the new album “Dog Face” and “Sleazebag” are split by “Feeling Numb”. This sees Brix pick up the guitar for the first time tonight. The song blends into the set very well. After the quirky “Valentino” we get another Fall number in “Glam Racket” which sees the band seamlessly perform the track faithfully.
Brix takes a break to introduce “Going Strong” and delivers a message for everyone that’s ever been “put down or kicked to the kerb to get right back on top and fucking owning it”. The band are in full flow as the upbeat number and it’s singalong chorus demonstrate the unity of the band. Next, the trio of guitars play in unison as “Dead Beat Descendant” starts and is instantly recognisable to the eager audience who relish the chance to relive a live Fall song. We get the final two songs from “part 2” tonight as “Damned for Eternity” and “Hollywood” end a blistering performance. Of course, the faithful crowd deserve a final song before the band finish and after a 2 minute break, we are treated to the signature drum intro of “Totally Wired”. As the rest of the band re-appear and chant those famous words “I’m totally wired” in unison, Hanley delivers the awesome bassline we all love and we get the jangling edgy guitars of Steve and Jason. The exquisite brilliance from the duelling guitarists sees Brix beckon with her arms and extract the spiritual energy from them respectively and motion deliverance direct into the audience. After nearly 8 mins, we are left with the drums and bass ringing in our ears just before the crowd erupt as the music stops.
Brix comes out to thank the crowd for spreading the word about her band through the social media platforms and to invite everyone to meet the band. A welcome invite that would not have happened with a previous incarnation and ultimately most welcomed by all parties.
The rise and rise of Brix and the Extricated continues.
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