Brix & The Extricated released their debut album ‘Part 2’ last September to critical acclaim. Over the past year they have relentlessly toured the UK and performed at numerous festivals over the summer. Last month they returned to the studio to record their follow up with a plethora of new material ready to go. The resulting album is ‘Breaking State’, upon which Brix & The Extricated have pushed the sonic boundaries set by their debut. While retaining much of what was loved about their first album, 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 the album. 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.

Both musicians take you on two separate but intertwined sonic journeys as the two guitars debate conversationally from one song to the next. They play off each other and bait each other, returning to that place where they blend in orgasmic bliss – this is post punk guitar work at it’s best. Smith Start comes into her own as a vocalist here delivering every word with intent while emotionally engaging the listener throughout. Building on her inspirational work in ‘Part 2’, she reasserts herself as a leading light to women across the generations, swimming against the tide and defying expectations. She brings a message of hope, not just to women but to people everywhere to strive for what is possible.

Smith Start again resets 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 unexpected addition of strings (arranged by Sarah Brandwood-Spencer) add a surprise multi dimensional emotional texture throughout, that seamlessly support Smith 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. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Alaska
2. H.C.
3. Dogface (Lost In Gdansk)
4. Prime Numbers
5. American Skies
6. Vanity
7. Sleazebag
8. Going Strong
9. Heavy Crown
10. Unrecognisable 

Brix & The Extricated release their highly anticipated debut album Part 2 on 22nd September following on from the early summer release of debut single Damned For Eternity. "Part 2 is a terrific debut album! While having elements of vintage Fall, Brix & The Extricated also bring the raw power of the Stooges, the pop sensibility of prime Blondie, walls of big glam rock guitars and dollops of psychedelia." Dave Simpson (Guardian). Formed by the visionary Brix Smith Start (vocals / guitar) and legendary bass player Stephen Hanley, Brix & The Extricated also features Paul Hanley on drums, which reignites the Hanley Brother powerhouse rhythm section. The addition of Steve Trafford on guitar has brought together these influential, former members of The Fall. Completing the line-up is hugely talented Irish guitarist Jason Brown. Increasing pressure from old and new fans alike to record fresh material spurred Brix & The Extricated to head into the studio, where they laid down 10 tracks. As anyone who has read Brix’s book ‘The Rise, The Fall & The Rise’ will know, Brix is a warrior woman one moment, and the next she’s stripping off her armour and laying bare her open wounds for all to see – and this is precisely what she’s done on the resulting album. Brix vehemently spits out her lyrics over savage sliding power chords over the distinctive Hanley brothers rhythm section. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Channelling the delicate / loud balance of US grunge, with the perfect songwriting craft of a bloody great rock song, Brix & co. manage to take you on a thrilling but nuanced trip through these established sounds, and a whole lot more. Great stuff.