Jeff Buckley's last gig was at Barrister's, a tiny hole in the wall Memphis bar on Monday June 26th, his first words on stage were "Dead, dead, dead, dead, dead, he's fucking dead, the guy from Brainiac is fucking dead. I want this to mean something to every fucking one of you."
Sadly this was before the band could establish notoriety and Jeff Buckley would himself drown three days later. Their deaths were seven days apart and both were in pre-production for follow up albums. Brainiac were at the time known for their intense live performances which generated a buzz in the community, leading to opening performances for Beck, the Breeders and the Jesus Lizard. Their memory has been kept alive by consistent mentions from musicians, and for me, if any band could generate popularity or aleast a degree of it from being championed posthumously, it would be Brainiac. It is the least one could ask for, considering how so many bands right now are indebted to their eclectic and at the time, unique sound.
When Devo looked to pass on the baton for a new generation, they decided to give it to Brainiac. Both Bands hailed from Ohio, and both possessed such a monopoly on musical talent and insight that they were able to demonstrate deeply sophisticated pop satire and wit. In Timmy Taylor, they had a frontman who shared vocal duties with guitar and synths which would eschew pop sensibilites. The band fearlessly celebrated mutation; using their library of effects and styles to reveal their innate sense of hooks and punk furocity.
Brainiac really do stand apart from any band you listen to, know or have heard of. Even from the seeds of influence they sowed. I would be a struggle to reconcile them with anything out there and to describe them to anyone. Rest assured, they know exactly what they are doing even though at first, they may sound like they have no fucking idea. Timmy Taylor and co. are so relentless in their craft that the madness may take a while to penetrate. But it is not madness in the mindless sense; each song is crafted with rhythmic, aggressive and witty precision. It's a wonder to behold when you hear all the technological and melodic acrobats that are on display. Whilst in terms of energy, they give nod to the bare bones ethics of punk, they also completely screw with it by adding countless layers of comical vocal and instrumental effects. And this record moves in contradictions; its cheesiness makes you feel deeply sophisticated and its punk nature introduces your hips to the funk.
9/10
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