ight from the first song - Nuclear Burn - Brand X let you know that this will be serious fusion from serious musicians. Phil Collins (yes - the same one made prog with Genesis and pop as a solo artist) lays down perfect rhythms that are complex and clean. On top of this is the lightning fretless bass playing of Percy Jones. Collins truly shines in the second song - playing with variety and restraint but busy - busy-busy.
Now I don't want to emphasize Collins - or Jones because Goodsall's guitar (whether in the background for support or in the forground cutting out tasty licks) and Lumley's perfect keyboards are equally brilliant on this CD. These first two songs are a good indication of what you will get with this recording although they are not necessarilly, the best songs. Yet this CD can be symbolized by these first 2 songs because, like these songs beause it - like the songs - is of two minds
- - the hard and frantic edge of Collins and Jones (as in song 1)
- - the more lyrical, restrained, and melodic-jazzy sides of Goodsall and Lumley (as in song 2).
In 1976 these musicians were not household names. Peter Gabriel had left Genesis the year prior and Collins had one album under his belt as the Genesis front-man. Outside of prog-music fans, however - Collins was unknown. In the same year - 1976, the world learned that that Collins can write music, sing and lead the premier art-rock band of the day, and play wicked drums for a fusion band.
This is one of my all time favorite CDs. Lacking the reputation or credentials of better known fusion groups, Brand X delivers a bulls-eye right to the target of 70's fusion. Unorthodox Behavior is filled with wonderful compositions, performances and 'chops'. It also has a great cover. It is a shame that it only clocks in at around 41+ minutes.
ight from the first song - Nuclear Burn - Brand X let you know that this will be serious fusion from serious musicians. Phil Collins (yes - the same one made prog with Genesis and pop as a solo artist) lays down perfect rhythms that are complex and clean. On top of this is the lightning fretless bass playing of Percy Jones. Collins truly shines in the second song - playing with variety and restraint but busy - busy-busy.