Stream the bonkers new noise-prog album from BRIAN!, The Cataclysmic Engine
On Friday, experimental rock trio BRIAN! release their new album The Cataclysmic Engine via Nefarious Industries. The band’s music is otherworldly and cacophonous, merging progressive rock with noise rock and a taut, complex rhythmic sensibility. Theirs is a hybrid of King Crimson’s knottiest compositions with the explosive rush of a band like Lightning Bolt. It’s thrilling stuff, and totally bonkers. And today, you can hear the whole dizzying album before it’s officially released.
Bubba Crumrine of BRIAN! said in a statement, “We’re thrilled to unleash this beast of a record on the world and change the perspective of what the bassoon can do in a heavy music setting. It’s been a three-year labor of love, collaboration, and unexpected pivot to zoom rehearsals and shared digital scores!
“We’ve been a bit of a best-kept secret nestled in Central New York, known by those in the experimental and metal communities who’ve passed or toured through Ithaca. I feel this record is going to be a real treat for the open-minded listeners out there looking for something fresh. It’s a perfect time of year for this record. I’d say throw on ‘Grotto’ at your upcoming spooky party and it’ll be unlike anything you’ve heard before – a massive, effects-laden bassoon solo, supported by minimalist guitar and percussion. It’s a highlight of a cinematic side B of the record along with ‘Cascade’ and vocal-centric ‘Intemperate To Death.’”
Listen to the BRIAN! The Cataclysmic Engine stream below.
Pre-order the album here.
Jeff Terich is the founder and editor of Treble. He's been writing about music for 20 years and has been published at American Songwriter, Bandcamp Daily, Reverb, Spin, Stereogum, uDiscoverMusic, VinylMePlease and some others that he's forgetting right now. He's still not tired of it.