Brutus: A Belgian Rock Trio That Punches Above Its Weight

Hailing from Leuven, Belgium, Brutus is a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene. Formed in 2013, the trio is comprised of vocalist and drummer Stefanie Mannaerts, guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden, and bassist Peter Mulders. Each member brings a wealth of experience from previous local bands, giving Brutus a solid foundation for their unique sound.

The band first made waves in Belgium, regularly playing gigs before gaining international recognition with their debut album "Burst" in 2017. This release, which caught the attention of the renowned record label Sargent House, solidified Brutus's position as a force to be reckoned with. They followed "Burst" with two more critically acclaimed albums, "Nest" in 2019 and "Unison Life" in 2022, further solidifying their place in the international rock world.

From Local Bands to International Success

The seeds of Brutus were sown in the vibrant music scene of Leuven. Mannaerts and Mulders had previously played together in Refused Party Program, a tribute band dedicated to the Swedish hardcore punk pioneers Refused. Meanwhile, Mannaerts and Vanhoegaerden were bandmates in Starfucker, showcasing their musical chemistry long before Brutus's formation.

Their rise to prominence was fueled by their energetic live performances. In 2014 and 2015, they graced the stages of prestigious Belgian festivals like Pukkelpop, Rock Herk, and Dour Festival. In the same year, they released a trilogy of two-song EPs, further building anticipation for their full-length debut.

Vancouver, Sargent House, and a Sound Defined by Intensity

In 2016, the band embarked on a journey to Vancouver, Canada, to record "Burst." They collaborated with renowned producer Jesse Gander (known for his work with Japandroids and White Lung), resulting in a raw, energetic album that solidified their sound. This collaboration also marked their signing with Sargent House, a label known for its commitment to artists pushing boundaries.

Brutus's music is characterized by its raw intensity, blending elements of post-hardcore, grunge, and noise rock. Stefanie Mannaerts' powerful vocals and pummeling drumming, combined with Stijn Vanhoegaerden's heavy riffs and Peter Mulders' solid basslines, create a captivating sonic experience that leaves audiences breathless.

With their relentless touring, critically acclaimed albums, and a dedicated fanbase, Brutus continues to be a vital force in the rock scene, defying expectations and proving that Belgium is a fertile ground for incredible music.

KST

Background

KST, is a Taiwanese rock band formed in 2013. The band's name is inspired by a famous quote from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus:

"Change is the only constant in life."

This philosophical concept aligns with the Buddhist notion of impermanence, reflecting the band's perspective on life and their musical journey.

Musical Style

KST's music is characterized by a unique fusion of several rock subgenres:

• Post-rock

• Emo rock

• Hardcore rock

Their distinctive sound is crafted through:

1. Complex drum patterns

2. Wall of sound created by guitars and bass

3. Incorporation of synthesizers

4. Visual elements (VJ performances)

A notable feature of KST is that all band members contribute vocals, adding depth and variety to their performances.

Themes and Reception

KST's lyrics often focus on:

• Portraying realistic life situations

• Exploring the complexities of modern existence

• Addressing societal issues

This approach has resonated strongly with their audience, leading fans to label them as one of the representative "pessimistic bands" in the Taiwanese music scene. Their ability to capture the struggles and emotions of everyday life has garnered them a dedicated following.

Live Performances

KST is known for their immersive live shows, which combine:

• Intense musical performances

• Visual projections

• Interactive elements

These multi-sensory experiences have become a hallmark of their concerts, further enhancing their connection with fans.

Influence and Legacy

Since their formation, KST has:

• Contributed to the evolution of Taiwan's alternative rock scene

• Inspired a new generation of musicians to explore unconventional sounds and themes

• Gained recognition both domestically and internationally for their unique approach to rock music

Restorations: A Philadelphia Rock Band With Deep Roots

Restorations, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a rock band that emerged from the ashes of the post-hardcore group Jena Berlin. The band's core members – vocalist and guitarist Jon Loudon, guitarist Dave Klyman, and original drummer Jeff Meyers (who later joined Belgrade and Ma Jolie) – have been making music together for over a decade.

Initially conceived as a "once-a-month/easy-band," Restorations has blossomed into a touring powerhouse, consistently hitting the road to share their music with dedicated fans. The band's musical journey began with a 7" release on Evil Weevil records, featuring the tracks "Frankford" and "Of Trees," which showcased their raw energy and musical prowess.

Their next step was a partnership with Paper + Plastick for their "Strange Behavior" EP, released digitally and on 10" vinyl. While this arrangement didn't last, it paved the way for Restorations' first full-length album, released on Tiny Engines. They subsequently partnered with SideOneDummy for their second and third albums, both recorded by Jon Low, a respected engineer who has worked with acclaimed acts like The National and Twin Sister at Miner Street Studio.

The band's fourth album, "LP5000," dropped in September 2018 on Tiny Engines, solidifying their status as a formidable force in the independent music scene. Their latest release, their self-titled fifth album, arrived in 2024.

A Look at Their Discography

Studio Albums

• LP1 (2011)
• LP2 (2013)
• LP3 (2014)
• LP5000 (2018)
• Restorations (2024)

EPs

• Strange Behavior (2010)

Singles & 7" Releases

• "See/Sea"
• "Call and Response IV"
• "New/Old"
• "A/B"
• Split with Rosetta
• "Frankford/Of Trees"

A Legacy of Passion and Dedication

Restorations stands as a testament to the power of friendship and shared musical vision. Their journey, from a casual side project to a formidable touring band, is a testament to their dedication to their craft. With a catalogue of critically acclaimed albums, they have solidified their place in the world of rock music, leaving their mark on the scene with their unique blend of energy and emotion.

We Save Strawberries (English band name: WE SAVE STRAWBERRIES, abbreviated as W.S.S.), is a Taiwanese post-rock band. Formed in 1998, the band was initially named "GESSO" (primer). In March of the following year, the band changed its name to "We Save Strawberries", which remains the name to this day.

== Members == Labi Wu - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar ARNY Ing - Backing Vocals, Guitar, Sound Synthesizer Chitai Hou - Backing Vocals, Guitar Hyphen - Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar Aki - Drums

== Introduction == Formed in 1998 by several college students from Tunghai University and Providence University in Taichung. Only two members knew how to play instruments in the first month. Originally, the band had a very pretentious name, "Gesso." In 1999, the first-generation band leader, DuDu, randomly chose a new name, and the members impulsively agreed, regretting it too late. The band participated in the Spring Scream Festival and started performing extensively. 2000 ～ 2002 "Generation Collapse Chronicles 2" compilation album, "Vibe" compilation album, "Theater Soundtrack Record" EP 2003 First album "Solar System" was released. 2004 ～ 2008 Experienced military service and member changes. Moved to Taipei. 2009 "Connect the Dots" Music Festival compilation album 2010 Second album "Feather River" was released. 2011 Nominated for Golden Melody Award and Golden Music Award.