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Brother Brick

From Alfawiki
Brother Brick
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1991 in Sydney, Australia
Defunct2000
Headquarters
Sydney
,
Australia
ProductsPunk rock music, albums, singles

Brother Brick was an Australian punk rock ensemble established in Sydney in 1991, fronted by Stewart Cunningham, who later became a member of Leadfinger. The group issued multiple 7" vinyl singles along with one full-length album, featuring musicians from various prominent Australian bands.

History

Brother Brick came into existence following the dissolution of The Proton Energy Pills from Wollongong and The Horny Toads based in Sydney. The lineup included ex-Protons guitarist Stewart Cunningham, bassist Kurt Anderson from Horny Toads, and drummer Mikey J Stephenson. Both originating bands drew inspiration from artists such as Radio Birdman, Blue Öyster Cult, and The MC5. Members eventually progressed to other projects including The Dubrovniks, Tumbleweed, and Leadfinger.

Moving away from the traditional five-member 'Detroit' rock format, this trio pursued a more minimalist sound influenced by groups like X, The Saints, Motörhead, and Hüsker Dü. Each member shared vocal duties and songwriting responsibilities, fusing punk energy with 1960s blues rock elements reminiscent of Cream and Hendrix. They frequently played at Sydney’s smaller pub venues but were mostly ignored by larger concert halls. Their tours extended to Melbourne and Brisbane where they performed alongside bands such as The Powder Monkeys and Asteroid B-612, as well as opening for Nomeansno and The Celibate Rifles. This formation earned a solid reputation for live performances but disbanded in 1994 after releasing a CD EP and two singles, notably the 'Chokito Bar' 7" on Dog Meat Records.

In 1995, Cunningham brought Brother Brick back with Scott Nash (formerly of Asteroid B-612) on bass and Craig Jackson on drums. This trio concentrated on recording their only album, A Portable Altamont, at Sydney’s Powerhouse Studio. However, its release was delayed due to Cunningham’s involvement with Asteroid B-612 and personnel changes that resulted in the loss of the album’s master CD. Around 1999, a cassette copy of the master surfaced, enabling the band to reform with Jay Curley (Tumbleweed) handling bass and Ashley Thomson (The Kelpies) on drums. Growing interest from audiences in Europe and the United States facilitated the album’s international release along with several singles. This final lineup toured extensively without producing new recordings. They supported international acts like Dead Moon and Zeke while maintaining an active presence in Australia’s live circuit before concluding with their final performance in June 2000 at Sydney’s Zetland Hotel.

In 2006, Melbourne-based label Off the Hip released Stranded in the Nineties, a two-disc retrospective collection encompassing all studio tracks, unreleased demos, live recordings, and comprehensive liner notes. The compilation’s title highlights the band’s role as underrated pioneers of high-energy Australian rock during an era dominated by imported grunge and slacker rock styles.

Personnel

1991–2000: Stewart Leadfinger Cunningham (guitar, vocals) 1991–1994: Kurt Anderson (bass), Mikey J Stephenson (drums) 1994–1996: Scott Nash (bass), Craig Jackson (drums) 1998–2000: Jay Curley (bass), Ashley Thomson (drums)

Discography

Compilations

  • Take Your Vitamins and Say Your Prayers (Track - Hotshot) 1993 Shock Records
  • Self Mutilation Vol 4 7" vinyl EP 1997 Hippy Knight Records
  • Rock’n’Roll Soldiers Comp CD 2001 (track "See You Tonight")
  • I’m In Love With That Song - Replacements Tribute Comp CD 1999 (track "Color Me Impressed")

General

  • Note: The archived online version offers limited features.

External links

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