Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
This track is an oldie but goodie from capital-letter-and-space-bar-challenged eclectic rock quartet thebrotheregg. “Negative Space” was originally released in 2002, but it’s rich, layered instrumentation and curious, half-buried lyrics stand as a strong testament to what this band can achieve at its busiest best.
It begins with a countdown delivered by what sounds like an odd, computer generated baby. “Negative Space” then teases with some (apt for the week’s weather) sleigh bell noises before launching into a barrage of boisterous yet dark piano rock that’s wonderfully laced with horns.
There’s so much happening in this song it’s a wonder it doesn’t just come off messy, but thebrotheregg keeps all the track’s melodies tight and consistent. The result, rather than confusion, is familiarity. The skipping, stepping piano, most notably, acts as the tie that binds this song’s myriad parts.
“Negative Space” keeps you so engaged throughout that when it builds into a cacaphonous noise breakdown at the end, you ultimately feel satisfied (instead of annoyed). It’s a blissful piano-pop laden jam that reaches its climax only to fall apart, which just makes you want to pick up the pieces and start over again.
thebrotheregg’s next show is Saturday, Feb. 10, at Kelly’s Olympian. 9:30 pm. $3. 21+. - Local Cut -WWeek
thebrotheregg
Snowflake & Fingerprint Machine
Woronzow WOO47, £13.99
WHILE Mercury Rev have become the totemic token that currently enables journalists to employ their favourite, poetic, windswept cathedral of sound clichés, they're merely the most high- profile example of a distinctly American substratum of modern-day psychedelia. Portland, Oregon's the Brother Egg have the same bases covered, and stand with one foot in a recognisable rock tradition and the other set squarely on the surface of the moon. Typically, Fingerprint opens with the curve ball of a duet for acoustic bass and the sound of some water being sloshed around, before revealing the lush, baroque pop song within.
- London Sunday Times - London Sunday Times
"Thebrotheregg, Portland's reigning overlord of quirky psychedelic pop" - - High Bias
Discography
"1993" CD
"Snowflake and Fingerprint Machine" CD
"Aortica Mor" CD
Various Complications, and tribute albums from labels like Hush, Magic Marker, Resistor, Ptolemaic Terescope.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
thebrotheregg has been around since probably 1993. Existing in Chicago, IL, Olympia, WA, and finally Portland. Over the years, we have been very inspired by the sounds coming from Drag City, K records, Elephant 6, and more recently, Fat Cat. As a result, the band has embraced a mid-fi psychedelic autism that has often wandered away from the straight forward and then found it's way back again. Right now we're exploring a heavier skate rock sound but it remains thoughtful with engaging lyrics and big harmonies.
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