brillig

"Curiously dark in the tradition of Lewis Carroll, both lyrically and in mannerism, Brillig possess an odd quality that imbues adept story-telling with days-gone-by poetic flair." - DB MAGAZINE (Australia)

If the slide show stops, click the 'x' in the top right corner to restart... Slide images by Helen Page Photography

* NEWS HEADLINES

(SEE BLOGS FOR DETAILS)
* Brillig lands in Triple J Unearthed Featured Music (posted 5 Mar '09)
* Brillig is number 3 for 2008 on Three D Radio (posted 27 Jan '09)
* Brillig is invited to overseas festival in May 2009 (posted 17 Nov '08)

* WHAT THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS ARE SAYING...

' the Australians manage to create an enticing, dreamily romantic, twisted and sinister melancholy feeling, which captivates their listeners and stimulates their power of imagination.' - ORKUS (German version) 'incredible enchantment that distills the songs' 'the magic, the enchantment, the irresistible attraction that you encounter is something purely visceral and inexplicable' '8.75 out of 10' - MENTENEBRE (Spain)
"...an admirable synthesis of class and cleverness" - VERSACRUM (Italy)

"The instrumentation is beautifully apt, beautifully played and the clarity of the recording is gorgeous." - MUSIC SA (Australia)

"Brillig possess simultaneously a very airy, graceful, sensual and saturated contemporary sound" - MACHINIST (Russia)

"we have an important band here, that now will have fans not only in the Outback but also in Europe. Art-full music." - ELEKTRAUMA (Germany)

"shines like a diamond in the constantly self-copying music scene." - GROUND UNDER PRODUCTIONS (Australia)

"I hope that Brillig, from now on, becomes important in this scene, not only at level of its native Australia but at the level of the entire world." - MENTENEBRE (Spain)

A decadent, beautiful and sophisticated recording with the wonderful music of dual vocals and an airy, graceful and sensual modern sound, with a clearly defined curtsy to the rich heritage of gothic Europe and the Americas' - EVERYTHING SYNTH (Russia)

Desperate decadent ideas, yet somehow also positive, organic and wonderful'
- MACHINIST (Russia)

* BRILLIG IS HEADING TO EUROPE IN 2009...

(See Upcoming Gigs and the Blogs for details)

* BRILLIG BIOGRAPHY

Combining sea shanties, murder ballads, tender tales of lost love & lost life, Brillig's inimitable style is enchantingly melancholic, beautifully tragic, & strangely uplifting...
With a deliciously dark look & captivating stage presence, Brillig draws its audience in with their command of infectious melodies and sweet harmonies. This dreamily romantic style draw influence from such noted songwriters & storytellers as Nick Cave, The Decemberists, Leonard Cohen & Neil Young.
Driven by the vocal harmony & interplay between lead singers and multi-instrumentalists Matt Swayne & Elizabeth Reid, Brillig's trademark sound features a graceful combination of acoustic guitar, viola, autoharp, harmonica, banjo, piano accordion and ukulele. Bassist Denni Meredith combines rich and thoughtful melody with smooth rhythm, while drummer Ben Macklin (ex-Bit By Bats) adds his superb & subtle percussive style.
Brillig have have performed across Australia, supporting such acclaimed acts as The Handsome Family (USA), The Audreys, CW Stoneking, Ned Collette, Sime Nugent, Mick Thomas, Martin Martini & The Bone Palace Orchestra and many more. Previous recordings have earned national and international airplay (including the number 3 spot on the Italian Alternative Chart alongside Interpol and The Editors), and the band's 2007 releases have received glowing reviews across the globe , from the UK to Italy, Russia to Germany and beyond.
Signed to Germany's Black Rain indie label for European releases, whilst remaining independent in Australia, Brillig recently released five track EP "Jack Davey" on Halloween (31st October 2008). The EP stayed on the Three D Radio charts for nearly 2 months, taking out the number 1 spot twice in a row on the weekly airplay charts and landing at number 3 out of 101 recordings for 2008.
In May 2009, Brillig follow up the EP's success with the release of their debut acoustic full LP "The Red Coats" across Europe, UK, Russia and North America. The 12 track album was recorded by famed South Australian producer Matt Hills (Wolf & Cub, The Lucksmiths), and its release coincides with the band's international festival debut in Leipzig (Germany) in May 2009, along with dates in Berlin & Prague.

* ABOUT BRILLIG'S LIVE SHOWS

Brillig's live performances are truly an 'event.' Known for theatricality & elaborate stage settings , the band captivates their audience visually & sonically.
As Brillig take their name from the poem "Jabberwocky" in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, it's only fitting that their recent stage set featured a 'Mad Tea Party' theme & Wonderland atmosphere.
This otherworldly style has attracted fans from all walks of life ; indie kids, roots -n- blues afficionados, goths and Americana folk enthusiasts. The eclectic crowd is often so attentive you can hear a pin drop.
Able to perform as a duo, trio or full four-piece band , Brillig suits any stage from the intimate to the immense - a versatility that has seen them play all styles of venues across Australia, from cafes & pubs to theatres and festival stages.
Brillig has played every state in Australia except WA & NT, and in May 2009 the band heads to Europe for the first time to capitalise on their growing international fanbase . A return visit is planned for 2010.

Black & white photos by Jason Sifis.

* SUPER 8 VIDEO CLIP: 'Followed' (2004)

"Come away to the carnival, where hypnotic clowns, mouths agape & silent, watch an ageless menagerie aboard merry-go-rounds. Neon spins, rises, pulse - menacing by day, frantic by night. Fall forward into the light, and always, always follow the white rabbit...."
This is one of Brillig's 1st film clips for a very early acoustic track, shot on the band's beloved Super 8 camera on location at the Adelaide Royal Show & 'Marilyn Mansion' many moons ago - check out how short their hair is!!

* MINI DOCUMENTARY: Twas Brillig (2008)

Sample Text Productions Presents: 'Twas Brillig' (5:55 minutes)
A mini-documentary & special project by: Nick Page (Producer, Sound); Peter Kumic (Director, Script); Peter Cleary (Editor, Cameraman). Filmed June 2008 at the Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide (South Australia).