Brinsk: Ninja Hamsters Invade Fargo

The volume of promo discs that I come across has grown over the last few years. Within that lot, there are some you instantly rip open and listen to, some you instantly hate based on the name of the band or the cover art, and some that for no real reason just end up at the bottom of the pile never to return.

Occasionally, somewhere in the latter pack, you miss something special. Earlier this year this happened with a group from New York called Brinsk.

The brainchild of former Fargo resident and multi-award winning jazz musician, Aryeh Kobrinsky, Brinsk was initially pitched to me as “jazz metal,” which sounded bizarre to put it nicely. Once I thought about it, though, it really makes sense: There are actually many similarities between the genres, with improvisation, solos and instrument competency closing the gap between Slayer and free jazz. Of course, once I had a chance to catch up with Aryeh, it was revealed a little differently:

“I coined it ‘acoustic metal,’” Kobrinsky said. “I played Misfits when I was young, my older brother got me into that, but I was playing classical, too. I was pretty serious about that all through high school. It was kind of a last minute decision to make the switch to full-force improvised music.”

After graduating from Fargo South High School, then Montreal’s prestigious McGill University, Aryeh picked up his double bass, moved to Brooklyn and hooked up with Jacob Wick, trumpet; Evan Smith, tenor sax; Adam Dotson, euphonium; and Jason Nazary, drums. The core of Brinsk is a solid five-piece that, unlike other bands that have members coming and going, is not changing. “They’re core members, we don’t do a show if we have to sub, and it’s become its own identity,” he said.

It’s hard to not think about jazz when New York is mentioned, especially from the past sense, but there is a small underground coming back in the area. “I think there’s a comeback coming from the hipster, noise, shoegaze kids all one-upping each other on who’s the new post-jazz, whatever you want to call it, group. He adds, “Jason Nazary is the drummer in a band that makes a lot of noise now called Little Women. They’re making a lot of noise right now.

One of the more recent and interesting endeavors that Aryeh has taken on is the formation of a not-for-profit record label, Nowt Records, which already has a number of artists and releases making waves. “There are four releases on it already. Noah Preminger is one of them and is a more straight ahead jazz guy. His album is doing really well.”

Another artist on the label that is doing something outside the realm of conventional, modern jazz is Athens, Georgia’s Dan Nettles, a k a Kenosha Kid. Almost more “alternative jazz” than anything, Dan has gone so far as to score the classic Buster Keaton silent film, Steamboat Bill, Jr.,” which is available for download on the Nowt Records web site.
The album of the hour, though, is Brinsk’s debut, “A Hamster Speaks,” the epic tale of Brinsk, a cyborg, ninja hamster who battles Andy the evil snake. As wild as that sounds, it’s impressive stuff. The “acoustic metal” is present, but along with it is avant-garde, jazz and even a hint of post-punk bands like Slint. Note to Brinsk: Seek out Steve Albini for your next album.

The first track, “Svensfagel,” definitely has the metal part perfected with quick drum fills and cymbal crashes everywhere, but the jazz is just as heavy and it’s not hard to hear the greats within it: “I still love old-school jazz; it’s a big part of me.” Aryeh added, “I can put on Oscar Peterson—the groove never dies. Some albums that really inspired me were Oscar Peterson’s “Night Train” Cannonball Adderley’s “Somethin’ Else” and Charles Mingus is my hero.”

Most of the disc is instrumental, which isn’t surprising within the genre, but the band is looking into more melody-based song with vocals.

“That’s something I’ve been exploring a lot more now.” He added “We’re actually debuting a bunch of new music tomorrow night in Brooklyn. We’re getting into kind of death-metal lyrics where we’re all singing four-part harmonies.”

The other thing that really sticks out is the album artwork. The initial concept started with black and white illustrations by William Block.
“William and I went to high school together. He’s a great artist and went to the Chicago Art Institute on a scholarship.”

Once initial drawings were done, HPR’s own Raul Gomez worked up the design and added color.

“Raul just did a phenomenal job on it.  He’s actually really pissed at me. William did the black and white illustrations, but all that color is Raul working 24 hours a day for about a month. It’s pretty insane and he did not like me.”

Brinsk’s first official tour in support of “A Hamster Speaks” kicks off in Baltimore, then makes its way to Indiana and Cincinnati, before starting the downward spiral into the Midwest. Those dates will include an Iowa show sponsored by the Dubuque Strange Music Society, an intimate show at the Kitty Cat Klub in Minneapolis, and a homecoming of sorts at The Hotel Donaldson.

Thank Miles for the Hodo; if it wasn’t for this downtown gem, we’d probably never get jazz and blues in the area. Of course, it would be nice if there were more of these bands forming locally, not that they don’t exist, but at least when they do or move away and come back, there’s a place to call home. And while it’s not New York, Fargo definitely is evolving beyond what even former residents can believe:

“Every time I come back to visit the family it’s insane on how much it’s expanded. How is there a new restaurant every night? It’s ridiculous how much new business pops up in Fargo. It’s so cool for the art scene. Last time I was home I saw some really killer music. I was leaving just when they were starting that construction downtown, but now it’s just amazing.”

If You Go

What: Brinsk
Where: The Hotel Donaldson
When: Thurs, Oct 30, 8pm
How Much: $3.00
Info: http://www.myspace.com/brinsk and http://www.nowtrecords.org