BRUIT ≤ on KEXP Live is Essential Listening
In my review for Coastlands last month, I mentioned post-rock’s staying power in recent times and how I felt it peaked in the mid-2010’s. This is partially on me as I fell out of love with the genre, but still wanted some fresh blood to revitalize the scene. It is also partially on no one, as music tastes change and the normal ebbs and flows within music persist. However, upon hearing BRUIT’s powerful and inspiring live performance on KEXP, it is clear we’ve gotten a band shaking things up. Not only in post-rock, but in experimental music in general.
BRUIT ≤ - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)
What to Expect: Cello pedalboards, sudden dynamic shifts, sweeping instrument changes and a commitment to first-wave post-rock ideals with modern capabilities
Hailing from Toulouse, France, BRUIT ≤ is crafting an enigmatic mix of post-rock, experimental, and modern classical tunes with a direct message and clear purpose. You will first notice the strings section, including a designated cello player (Luc Blanchot) and a mix of violin and viola played by Clement Libes. Then, the cymbals hit. Drummer Julien Aoufi has mastered the dynamics of a drumset, choking cymbals or completely cutting out the kit completely for emphasis. Every band member brings their best here, especially for only having one dedicated guitarist for the live performance (played by Theophile Antolinos.)
When I first heard “Ephemeral” which begins their set, I knew this would be nothing but. BRUIT present such a gripping, visceral display of sound that immediately grabbed my interest. I haven’t been looking, but I’ve been waiting for something like this to reinvigorate the scene and my passion in it. Once I finished the set and interview, I went digging for their music. Their new album from this year, The Age of Ephemerality, will not be found on popular streaming services. One of the best things about the group is their commitment against Spotify and letting the fans spread the word through the community. So here I am, doing my part.
Post-rock is all about the performance. It is a treat we have a place like KEXP consistently showcasing diverse artists, especially those in the instrumental space. Luckily, BRUIT’s album is just as enjoyable on record, with perhaps more shifts and turns musically and more emphasis on what they are calling out. The world has been brutalized by the lucky few who have more power and money than ever thought capable. BRUIT ≤ stands against that, stating it was always the art that matters, and the humans behind it. We do not have to support these systems, and by escaping them, we can regain community and the sense of life we had before it was stolen from us. Thank you to KEXP for putting many onto this wonderful band, and be sure to check out their other performances along with BRUIT’s discography.
This is the second post in my “Essential Listening” series, you can check out the first one here featuring Nala Sinephro.
BRUIT ≤
Genres: Post-rock, Experimental, Modern Classical
Written by Evan Lurie
