by Lauren Rosier
Photo by Matthew Lyons
Asbury Park indie punk favorites, Brick + Mortar, have been put through the wringer since the release of their first EP, Bangs, in 2013. From being dropped by a big label to their songs being held captive by the label, the duo has been through a lot of changes in the last two years (they were able to get their songs back).
Now the band is back with their second EP titled Dropped, which was actually supposed to be combined with Bangs, for their debut full-length; however, that fell through because of all the issues with the label. Regardless, the band is back stronger, better than ever, and ready to rock.
The second record has always been known to be the most challenging or known as the sophomore slump. However, for Brick + Mortar the most challenging part of the making of this record was “just being patient.”
“The way we were going to do it was supposed to be one record,” lead vocalist Brandon Asraf explains. “Having the patience was hard, but the actual writing process was rad.”
Speaking of the writing process, the band has a different writing process for every song.
“We’re the kind of band that creates ideas and then elaborates on ideas. It’s very in depth and has a personal songwriter quality to it. When we get to the studio, we write all over the place. Sometimes on the cell phone, on the computer, on the guitar. We always write in advance. We always have a vocal line and a melody,” Asraf elaborates.
One of strongest tracks on the EP, “Staying Gold” is super personal to Asraf, and inspired by his struggle with faith. “Faith is important and to think to have faith in something. I wanted to write a song about someone losing faith in something and gaining faith in something else,” he explains.
Photo by Richie Brown
They’ve grown a lot from sharing the stage with bands like River City Extension and Jimmy Eat World and playing conferences like CMJ Music Marathon. “I learned that you can win over any crowd if you’re good at what you do. People want to like you. Playing in front of people of fans of other bands help you. People want to have a good time,” Asraf says.
The band is starting its headlining summer tour in support of Dropped. “Love being on tour. Challenges are not sure if people are going to come out. You can’t fake a good a show,” Asraf exclaims.
Brick + Mortar plays The Barbary in Philadelphia on 8/14.
