Band Of The Week #216 - Brutus
This week’s Band of the Week is Belgian artrock post hardcore band Brutus - who have just released their new album ‘Unison Life’ and are due to head out on their UK tour this month.
Recently previewed by the songs ‘Victoria’, ‘Liar’ and ‘Dust’, the ‘Unison Life’ album explores the idea of striving for a life of total contentment - but knowing that the biggest obstacle is being held back by your own shortcomings. Musically, however, it’s fiercely focused with the band eager to exceed their potential. From playing with new ideas, to doggedly perfecting stronger melodies, and experimenting with a wealth of new equipment purchased online, they held themselves to the highest of standards. Their dedication paid off, as ‘Unison Life’ became the purest expression of the Brutus sound to date.
They took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Brutus - how are you? So your album is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Stijn: I am very excited now the record is out there as we’ve been working on these songs for more than two years. The album was recorded in January which seems an age away now so I’m glad people can now actually hear the whole album.
Peter: We are doing good, thank you. It’s really special feeling to have new music out there, but I must admit it also makes me look into the future and think about making more new music too, haha. But first things first, please enjoy Unison Life!
It is called ‘Unison Life’ - what is the meaning behind that?
Stefanie: “Unison Life” is the life where everything finally feels right. In some way everyone searches for a life in harmony, without fights, arguments and lies. A life where none of your actions has consequences on another level. There are no disappointments but in reality that doesn’t exist. I am a person who avoids conflict or tells a little lie or overcompensates to make an uncomfortable situation a bit more comfortable. Unfortunately that isn’t the way to learn stuff and at the end, lies will catch you anyway. But it isn’t all negative. Trying to reach this life where everyone is at peace and happy isn’t always built on choosing the easy way out, sometimes good thing just happen, just because you’ve learnt.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
Stijn: We recorded the album at Daft studios in Malmedy, the east of Belgium, with our main recording and producing man Jesse Gander who also recorded Nest and Burst. We were really focused and worked long days - there is a band apartment on top of the studio so we really camped out on our gear and songs for 3 weeks.
Peter: When we had a rare day off from making the album, we went for a walk in the snow to clear our heads but it took less than an hour for us to start talking about possible sounds and pedal or mic setups again! And there was a swimming pool, but we only went for a swim on the last day of recording. Our producer Jesse did an amazing job. He knows us so well and is always searching and pushing us for something even better. He never gives up, he is a true perfectionist with a punk attitude which makes him so great to work with!
What are the key themes and influences on the album?
Stefanie: Realization, conclusion, direction, isolation, disappointment, friendship and love.
If the album could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
Peter: Wow, that’s a hard question. Let’s do “Once Upon a Time in the West” by Sergio Leone.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the album - if so, which one and why?
Peter: the full lyrics of DUST. And the first line of DREAMLIFE: “Just give me a light inside my head”.
Stijn: I would have to go for the lyrics for What Have We Done.
Now the album is out there - what next?
Stijn: Playing a lot of shows! It’s going to be so nice to play these songs live. We come to the UK in November for some shows so will be cool to play the new song for everyone.
Peter: Yes, playing these songs live for people will give them a new dimension!
Catch the band playing live at the following live dates this November:
16 - The Fleece - Bristol (UK)
17 - Rebellion - Manchester (UK)
18 - Audio, Glasgow (UK)
19 - Lending Room, Leeds (UK)
21 - Patterns, Brighton (UK)
22 - The Garage, London (UK)
