The guys behind the newly-formed Brimbrot have been making various kinds of noise in the Icelandic music scene for decades. Their combined credits include seminal acts like Das Kapital, HAM, Sólstafir, and Mínus; some lesser-know-but-every-bit-as-good bands like XIII, PS&CO, and the Swedish death metallers Nirvana 2002; and they have supported some pretty solid solo artists like Bubbi Morthens and Krummi Björgvins. They know how to rock.
Given the above pedigrees I was perhaps a bit surprised by the Dick-Dale-drenched sound of their self-released debut album, though I probably shouldn’t have been given that the Icelandic word brimbrot translates roughly to “surf break” in English. And it’s everything you’d expect from a classic surf rock record – a rooting in Western-style guitars, saxophone, and pacing that can conjure up images of the calmest seas or the biggest waves. I’ve always enjoyed this style but never explored it, so having having a copy of this on my shelves is a nice addition to the library. Especially since these guys are pretty great – they know exactly what they’re doing, and all that experience comes through on every song.
The vinyl might be a bit difficult to track down (note – vinyl copies also include a CD of th album) especially here in the US given the recent termination of the de minimis exemption. Our friends over at Lucky Records have it in stock, but at least from now I think the Icelandic post has halted shipments here until all this political stuff is worked out. Fortunately, however, Brimbrot is available on Spotify and Apple Music if you want to paddle out and try to ride a big one.