The Wake

Teleportation via the turbulent twist in sound waves may be possible. As one jams to Brass Beads, the debut record conceived by innovative MSP locals Brute Heart, a journey unfolds. One moment the traveler is suspended in an ethereal space of ambient female vocals and lush reverberation – wading in dense plasma and soothing waters. Then, in a flash of spectral flames, they’re pummeled with passionate, sporadic viola patterns and pulsing rhythm-dancing disjointed steps in an ancient world or howling and thrashing around some blazing forest fire. Throughout the album, the vocals often resemble tender wolf howls as each band member sings in winding notation to form a fluid cry or sigh of longing.

Brass Beads contains a varied collection of tracks that all bleed originality and unique composition. The nine-song collection was originally released on 12” vinyl, and two songs are re-recordings from the band’s EP. The tune “Talebearer” drives and soars with PJ Harvey-esque lyrical lines and layers of orchestral reverberation, while driving snare taps resonate like the psychotic pound of typewriter keys (almost a terrifying recap of psyche in The Shining) and pleasantly haunt the unexpecting listener in “Scritch Scratch.” Of course, a few tracks, such as “Flat Land” and “Reflection” become a bit repetitive and sloth-like with uncertain, crooning vocal patterns that may leave the listener unsettled, unsatisfied and lost. However, drummer and expressive vocalist Crystal Brinkman keeps most jams afloat with steady, pulsing rhythmic patterns.

Brute Heart comprises three passionate female musicians on bass, drums, and viola. Their record comes with a digital download and is available at Treehouse Records, Electric Fetus, Extreme Noise, the Seward Cafe, and Hard Times Cafe. Anticipate bright innovations and more connotative tunes from these original locals- this threesome successfully blends haunting, subtle “brutality” with all that dwells in the swelling ventricles of a tender ‘heart’—what a fitting name.