Despite the fact that I’m coming in completely new to Belgian three piece Brutus, I’m thoroughly won over with the release of their new single “Cemetery”. The single follows on from “War”, and both will be featured on new album Nest, which releases on 29th March via Hassle Records (UK/EU) and Sargent House (ROTW). What began as a fascination with “Cemetery” as a song, has continued to expand into a greater appreciation for Brutus.
“Cemetery” packs a distinct punch despite not being verbose or detailed lyrically. Vocalist Stefanie’s voice carves deep lines through an intensive of sound, courtesy of Stijn (guitars) and Peter (bass). It’s Stefanie behind the drum kit for Brutus also (seen in action in this YouTube video), which seems like unfair distribution for impressive musical skill (says I – one who can’t even sing nor play an instrument!).
Jealousy aside, I’m completely blown away by what is poured into their songs by each of Brutus’ members. “Cemetery”‘s savagery is matched by its slamming beats, sharpened riffs, and floor breaking bass. The screams of “that girl looks funny on the inside” seem to reflect the distrust and uncertainty when it comes to others. Around the halfway mark, there’s a shift into a building “Give us some time” feels like a beautiful call for compassion and patience.
“Cemetery”‘s visual expression comes by dancer Jarrett Sleeper moving in lights and smoke. Director Mitch Wells worked with compounding layers of movement to reflect the song. It was recorded in the mountain home of the band’s manager in Los Angeles, whose gardens the band adored. Brutus had shared one instruction; “Just go completely nuts in the gardens”, and the video is the result. They added that “Spending time over there after just recording the new album felt like the closing chapter to our debut album Burst, and subsequently the colours refer to the artwork of that album; this ends a chapter and is a new beginning, from now on we only look forward.”
I’m a big fan of courageous/inspired choices when it comes to creating, and Brutus have stood out to me as a band that is exactly this. Watch “Cemetery” below and see what you think (or feel).
