Brick + Mortar – Melting UP (2022)
Brick + Mortar are not playing around when it comes to their latest EP Melting UP. Not only is the EP tackling some monumental topics from social injustice to economic inequality, but it also uses the band’s massive sound to get you dancing and singing along. Bringing a light juxtaposition to the tracks, the dancing and moving vibes are at odds with the dark depths of the lyrics that make you stop and take a moment to digest their message.
While hitting on a lot of unhappy topics, there is a message of hope woven into the EP as the band lets us know that we are all in this together. Brandon Asraf and John Tacon are the duo behind this intense musical project which was born on Asraf’s brother’s couch. Since then, they have multiple records, tours and appearances under their belt that have allowed them to perfect their fantastic sound.
The EP opens with ‘Mystery to Myself’ which perfectly introduces us to the massive sound of the band. The piano line leads you into a vibration of distorted synths that take you through the verses. In the low levels, you can still hear the piano line trying to make its way out from the electronic covering. Through all of this, the vocals have a really dynamic flow as they move from a smooth melodic flow and dip into the dark recesses of the world. As this happens, the lyrics consider not recognising who you have become and trying to find yourself again. It is an intense single that is covered in sonic devices that lighten the overall feeling, but still leave you with the sense that you have run an emotional marathon. The swings and changes in the track let you know that you are in for a treat with this EP.
‘Don’t Panic’ uses spoken vocals to grab your attention while a scratch in the melody runs up your spine. There is a heavy, almost noise, rock sound to the verses that push against your brain with a sense of oppression. This abruptly stops for a jittery lower tone that brings an anxious feeling to the centre of your chest. The swings between heavy rock and electronic fluctuations are a great sonic portrayal of the feeling of being overwhelmed, only to see a calm moment of happiness. As you are trapped in the movement of the music, the vocals draw you into a conversation between someone trying to be less cynical and someone breaking it to them that the world is not an easy place.
A completely new sound and feeling enters with ‘No Gods’ as the groovier tones hit through the opening. This track is a fantastic showcase of the versatility of the band as they bring an almost hip-hop vibe in both the melody and vocals. This is tackled later in the single by a warbling and pulsing heavy vibe that edges the single toward rock again. There are lighter moments that bring a sense of clarity to the single, only for everything to drop into deep dark waters. The dynamic flow of this track is really addictive, while the lyrics leave you with a lot on your mind.
‘No Money to Love You’ has a lighter feeling to the opening that brings some sunny rays to the EP. The light tones turn into a run of melodic elements as the vocals blister through the lyrics. Through the lyrics, the band delves into the idea of a revolutionary feast where the rich are the main course and leave you with a note of caution over this. While there is this cautionary note, the single is a fantastic anti-capitalism single that uses rich imagery to bring the message home. This is delivered into your veins through the hypnotic tones of the melody that you can’t really help but move to. By far, this is the most interesting and exciting track on the EP because it is so different to everything else.
There is a really dark vibe to ‘Hangman Comes’ that hits you in the chest through the beats. There is another injection of slightly hip-hop vibes in the melody, but this is all swept aside for the synth-rock tones. The intense darkness feels like it is closing in around you through the verses, only for the chorus to expand outward before the rebound. It is an addictive movement that perfectly complements the vocals that make you want to shout out with them. The layers of the melody and vocals touch on the light and dark of the world that the band is so wonderfully able to bring to life. As the single progresses, the vocals get a little twang to them that adds an edge to the track.
‘Self Care (So Frustrated)’ has you bouncing around to the movement from the first moment. The sparkle of electronic tones brings an almost video game vibe to the single that has you travelling back in time. While there is a youthful feeling to the melody, the lyrics tap into something much deeper. There is a layering of meaning to the lyrics as they could be touching on a love for video games or a clash of extremes that leave you frustrated. This is definitely a track that you want to blast at full volume while you bounce around to the sound like a crazy person.
The EP comes to a close with ‘Glamour of a Food Stamp’ which is one of the most emotional. The strings tug at your heartstrings, while the dark vocals touch on the heavy topic of the track. Turning your attention to the darker side of capitalism and the families who struggle to hold everything together, the single is powerful and very hard-hitting. While there is a battle against the system woven into the lyrics, there is a message that you need to stay strong because you will grow from the adversity you face. This is a fantastic track that hits all the right notes musically, lyrically and emotionally.
Through the tracks of Melting UP, Brick + Mortar are hitting us in the chest with some heavy topics as they consider the light and dark of the world around us. Each track leaves you with a lot on your mind while feeling like you have run a serious emotional gamut. Not only does the EP tap into societal problems, it showcases the outstanding musicality of the duo.
Find out more about Brick + Mortar on their Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
