There’s a likely possibility you haven’t heard of Quinn the Brain before this but have the name ring a bell. The name comes from an episode of the old late 90’s adult cartoon Daria, which in itself came as a spin off from her character in the awesome Beavis and Butt-head. As for the band, they float between the sounds grunge and punk but always with a dark touch and an all too real lyrical theme.
Open Wide is a 4 track EP out now, begins sinister and eerie with its namesake, vocalist Arta isn’t shy with her theatrical vocal approach, and despite their not heavy style, it brings some serious doom worthy depth! Step on Me really screams out with a 90’s vibe, less is more as the song flirts through verses of a softer bass and drum touch to the all out chorus’s, the change of pace when they all come together brings yet another element to their game before all hell is let loose.
Comes in 3s has some almost Dave Mustaine-esque vocal story telling and with a title like this, you can guess what theme the song takes. Dark Skies is probably the most anthemic of the four tracks, feedback, moody and fitting. While through out, you are so damn drawn into the vocal performance and such, the bass and drums really deserve their own fair attention. While the bass is a solid early era grunge, the drums are very much more doom laden, yet the stick together and work tightly. Four tracks put together by a three piece in a world like today needs to have something or do something to really stand out and get attention, and while my tastes really lie in all thrash, doom, stoner, sludge, death, grind and blues, there is something really endearing about Quinn the Brain. 2020 might not be a year for fantastic sold old gigs everywhere, but these are one of those that would peak my attention and deservedly so. I’m real intrigued to see the development and more from the Houston based trio.
You can buy their EP through bandcamp here: https://quinnthebrain.bandcamp.com/releases and kindly on said page, they’ve included an email address for those that prefer something a little more physical in CD format, sadly no vinyl yet!
