The Remains of Brian Borcherdt

So why “the remains”? Is this a hint towards something else, clues to a much larger picture? Or is this merely an attempt at a clever band name? Brian Borcherdt is not an entirely puzzling person to meet or have a conversation with. But there is some mystery to his art. Upon releasing an anonymously packaged CD, unofficially titled the Moth EP, audiences began to sense something more from the newest and otherwise unknown member of By Divine Right. Recorded as a tribute to a fallen comrade, this brief collection of songs was intended only for its personal reward. Despite its meager presentation, music fans and critics alike embraced the humble offering, praising it’s honesty and “raw emotion”. NOW magazine voted it a top ten local release of 2002, and later celebrated his North by Northeast performance as a festival highlight. With the introduction of The Remains, Brian Borcherdt showcases a wider range of emotion and sonic exploration. In the past year Borcherdt has shared the stage with fitting acts such as Damien Jurardo, Lou Barlow, Jim Guthrie, Wintersleep, and The Unintended. Relentless touring perhaps paid off for him and his new band, formed with fellow By Divine Right-ers. After rocking the stage in China, Australia, and the US they checked into the House of Miracles (Two Minute Miracles, Constantines, Royal City) to lay down some of their heaviest energy on Brian’s first full length record. So, maybe there is no mystery behind these “remains”? For Borcherdt, mystery is still unraveling in his song writing; and the reward still comes from within.