The Brilliant Beast

Holding Pattern!

2012-01-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

Before Hannah took off for 5 months in York, we filmed a charming music video for the charming ditty "Holding Pattern," which is featured on our new EP Neighbors. The video stars Hannah and Jordan and was shot on an out-of-manufacture flip camera, used about 10 minutes of total film, and was shot and edited in under 5 hours. We're extremely efficient when it comes to being hip. Enjoy it, it's great!

Release Show Victory!

2011-12-11T10:23:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all who came out to the 331 Club for the "Neighbors" release show! Big thanks to the Dropsteppers and Beyond the Element for being terrific bands and great drinking buddies.

Thanks to Alison Osberg for taking some wonderful photos!

Let's be "Neighbors"

2011-12-11T10:04:00.001-08:00

It's finally here! The long-rumored, long-awaited, desperately-anticipated follow-up to 2010's folksy collection of heartbreaks "Bestiary" was officially released on November 30th at the 331 Club in Nordeast MPLS. The new EP, "Neighbors," is a 7-track snarl of power-pop jingles sure to make you twist your way out of your anxious skin. The mood has shifted from heartbroken to romantically paranoid. The songs on "Neighbors" chronicle the slow unraveling of a tired relationship through the intense inner-monologue that occurs when lust has turned to lack of trust. We're losing grip, and we'll do anything possible to keep you around, baby.

Recorded and mixed in five days, "Neighbors" marks a new chapter in the Brilliant Beast's saga. Heavily influenced by the magical lo-fi sounds of late-80s power-pop and shoegaze, this album takes the plaintive folk hollers from "Bestiary" and dips them in a bubbling cauldron of reverb and grit. Produced by St. Paul soundsmith Kasey McKee, the 27-minute EP has a warmth that can only arrive from cassette mixing and basement recording.

You can look at all the lyrics right here on this website (under the "Lyrics" tab, smartypants). You can listen to the record on BandCamp, and if you like it, you can purchase the digital copy as well. Or, you can buy the whole physical package from the band, or by sending an email to thebrilliantbeast@gmail.com with your address and we'll mailorder the whole shebang for $5.

"Neighbors" by the Brilliant Beast:

www.thebrilliantbeast.bandcamp.com

Go!

Live on the Radio!

2011-09-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we stopped by the KPVL 89.1FM The Blend studio in Decorah, Iowa, with longtime pal/one-time collaborator Adam Wiltgen, who was nice enough to interview us and let us play four songs. You can tune in tonight on the online stream at 5 PM central by logging on to www.891theblend.org to hear this week's installment of the Driftless Podcast. In this stunningly exclusive interview, you'll hear all about hog farms, new experiences, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater, along with previews of these tracks from our upcoming EP:

- Neighbors
- Holding Patten
- The Bear
- Black Shadow

Tune it on up!

Extreme Home Makeover: Website Edition

2011-05-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Just added to the site, as you may have noticed (or you will now notice, if this is your first visit) the header has changed. We are now a group of happy children performing in the early 1960s somewhere. Much more representative of our sound than an actual picture of us.

Also, a lyrics section has been added, so now you can sing along at all of our shows and sing the real words! Although, I can't promise that I'll actually sing the words that I've written. I've got a bad habit for ad lib on stage, as remembering words is hard! Even if I wrote 'em, there's just so many syllables, you know?

And hey! Tomorrow is a free show at the Acadia. We're playing with Stop Drop, they're pretty awesome. And a band from LA, so maybe they know all the young stars of the MTV programming empire. We can only hope. Check out the facebook for all the info, but remember, it's FREE!

- Jordan

Lyrics

2011-05-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Neighbors EP
1. Neighbors
I don't want to know why you're yelling at him
'Cuz something tells me it's deeper down than you can swim
And your sorrows always drown out the night
And I'm no saint but I could treat you right

I could be your next door neighbor
Come over for tea or just see you later
Hear all those tears when they're sounding meaner
I could be your next door neighbor

If you let me be your next door neighbor
I swear that you can come over
Anytime he's got you feeling down
And I'll show you what it means to be hanging round

And when the cops come, I'll string 'em all along
And I won't let them know where you'll be
'Cuz when all those cars go, you'll be living next to me

I'm going to be your next door neighbor

2. I Don't Believe You

I don't believe you anymore

Because you sure stayed out real late last night

And I really think that you just might be running from my arms

Yeah, you just might be running from my arms

And you say your friends just keep you late

But there's a pack of wolves that just can't wait to eat you up

Spit you out, they'll eat you up, you'll swallow down

I don't believe you anymore

And when I lie alone in bed

The thoughts that run right through my head

I lose control, yeah I'm shaking now
I lose control, I'm shaking now

And I can see the girl inside of you who never wanted anything to do with me

But that's too bad, yeah you've really got me, you've got me bad

And you'll give up the life, the pursuit and the joy

For the privilege to play momma to that little baby boy

But that's not the prize you signed up for at the start

No it ain't!

3. Blind Leads

You flip on the switch and it turns on a light

You're bound by desire to wake up screaming for life

Just watch your words, they're secretly laced

With the promise of new leaves but this page don't turn right

So take it all in, take it in stride

Tell me what you want before we go for a ride

And I'll let you in just like I did last night

Yeah, I'll let you in if it's for the right price

I'm buying low, and your selling high

I can buy you a drink if you sell me the sky?

You flip on the switch and you turn on the light

You flip the switch but I've turn off inside

But watch out boy, it's so bright that you'll go blind

And there's something in there I know you won't like

You're coming to grips with a sentient life

You turn on that switch and it turns on that light

I'm not predisposed to what's been on my mind

I go undercover, I find the sublime

Your sentences are undefined

They're growing their wings before they learn how to fly

So take them all down, take them all down

Take them all down into three little lines

I want what's good but you want what's right

And that sure ain't a reason, but it feels like a fight

You flip on the switch and it turns on the light

You flip on the switch but you've already died

But watch out boy it's so bright that you'll go blind

And there's something in there I know you won't like

When you get into bed and you turn off the lights

You dream the same dream you dreamed last night

Wake up to the radio on your bedside

It's telling you truths but you want it to lie

And back your way out but you know you can't hide

Because every love song has a cynical side

And, baby you just died.

4. Holding Pattern

“If I'm going out, then I'm going all in”
Is that how you want your last words to begin?
You can say what want, but you'd better lose that smile,
And you could call it bravery, but denial is denial.
And if you're going out, well then I'm staying in
To balance this beam that we've been tip-toeing.
If there's nothing to offer, then there's nothing to learn
And I'll just keep all my planes in a holding pattern.

So bring all your badges, bring all your guns
Lay them down on the table and let's start having fun
'Cuz I know what I want, and I'm sure you do too
What's taking so long for that to come through?
There's no use in waiting 'cuz that's not your style
But I'll keep on waiting because denial is denial.
I don't have a reason, you can't sink or swim
So I keep all my planes in a holding pattern

5. Mount Midway

We pulled off our coats when we reached the top

And sat taking in the view for hours on end

How beautiful the world looked to us

A sea of industry folded in our hands

We had everything the world would give us

And innocence was our saving grace

I let out a sigh when the sun broke the clouds

But I could see the difference in your face

So bury your dead before the snow melts away

From the winter peaks of Mount Midway.

Your disappointment was etched into your furrowed brow

And your sorrow was carved in stone

So we buttoned back up and climbed on down

This is where you first learned to be alone

Further down snow gave way to the grass

The new life reminded you of the pain
And when your eyes filled with April showers

You swore you saw her dancing in the rain.

Spring breaths life but it will take it away

On the blossoming peaks of Mount Midway.

You were in love with life, don't let that ever change

Because we'll sit again on top of Mount Midway

When everything is beautiful again.

6. Black Shadow

Dip your toes before you leap

Into whirlpools or soft eddies

Because caution is something you can understand

And Old King Caesar had a wife

She lived to pay an awful price

He held her name like a philosopher

He held her down with sharp scepter

Like it was nothing, it was just a little game.

And centuries fly by in time

I find myself the next in line

And I'm just waiting for a little touch

I lift my hand in a soft caress

That helps you fall your summer dress

My fingers move around the clasp

Lain sorrowfully across your back

Did I love you or did I phone it in?

So close your eyes, Black Shadow, fall asleep

Rest your bones we've got miles left to dream

And when you wake up you won't remember anything

I never gave you a reason to remember me.
You won't remember anything.

7. The Bear

Sleeping in won't save your life

And it's a mistake if by tomorrow night

I call you up and tell you everything's alright

When I know it's not alright

And I know my best intentions were just designs

To keep us trapped here inside this one-way life

But I'm tired of talking through these tin can lines

I know it's hard to understand.

And I know it wasn't easy for you to see

All the things that we kept underneath

Our eyes that burned when we talked last week

About picking our way down through that heap

Of lost control and insecurities

These were things that you were never supposed to see

I never meant for you to cut your teeth on me

I know it's hard to let it go.

But if you've loved me just like you've owned me

You'd take your claw and tear apart that seam

We look so pretty when we bleed

Take your claw and tear apart that seam

It's getting late you'd better get some sleep

But tonight don't waste a winter on me

Because I've always been an eager kid

Your favorite shirt that never fit

Every time you pulled it down over your arms

It locked you down and left you looking worn

And that's no way to keep a home

And we know that know.

No, the bear don't know any better!

Bestiary EP

1. The Man that you love (is gone!)

Sitting on the staircase of a rusty metal fire escape

With tears streaming out from your eyes

You thought about your true love and what he must be made of

To leave such a sweet girl behind

So dry your eyes and sing along to the lyrics of your favorite song

Because the man that you love is gone!

All the birds on the railing remind you of your sailing

Tossing on the echoes of the sea

You thought you found dry land in the arms of your man

But now you've found kingdom come!

Falling, oh yes he's falling, but he ain't calling you back again

Falling, oh yes he's fallen, for your best friend!

You're pulling out your hair and I don't think that it's fair

To say this a second time

But when you open your heart someday it will fall apart

He was a good man, but now he's gone.

So dry your eyes and stand up strong

Because you were right all along

And that man that you love is gone.

2. Take it Away!

Well I was thinking of a time

When I was drinking out of line

And I could not remember where you stood

So I poured myself another round

To keep the sky from falling down

And I knew we weren't up to any good

But that's the way I remember you to day

And that's the only way you'll ever be

So let's hit the city hard tonight

And if we play our cards alright

Maybe we can say we're not alone

Let's take the airplane for the starts

And everyone we think we are

And this bottle and this river can be home.

I don't want to wait, because everything we took from them

They can take it back, they can take it all away.

So lay your head down next to me

And tell me all there is to see

Because I'm afraid I'll vanish without a trace

I've been sailing far too long

To fall for any siren song

But every record played still has a face

So can I have this dance?

Because every day is just another day that's gonna fade away

So let's just clap our hands.

Every secret that you make,

I'll take it deep, I'll take it to my grave

And we can run away from everything we ever thought was safe.

3. California Dust

I've got a map without a legend

It points in all kinds of directions

You think you're going north when you're really heading west

And where you're off to is anybody's guess.

I've got a frame without a picture

Because sometime life is so much bigger

Than the space we let these four walls contain

But I'm content to stare at nothing all the same.

And I've got a pretty funny feeling

About the people that we're meeting

They all tell me to go right up to your door

But I don't think I'm welcome there anymore.

So hitch your heart to the gold rush

You're selling high but I can still see you blush

And you will do what you must

'Cuz in the end we're all California dust.

4. Early Burglary

I park my car outside every night

Looking for an address that never feels right

I dig deeper in my pockets just trying to find

A little something else for my celluloid mind

If I could hold a stereo up above my head

Would you think twice or even leave your bed?

Would you open your window and call out to me

Or would you keep on looking and not even see?

Oh, honey I'm sorry, I saw the devil today

And she was beautiful, she was so beautiful

I'm going nowhere like jumping on a train

And I can tell right now you're bleeding out your veins

Every day's a struggle when we push ourselves away

Because we're so concerned about what the papers say

But they'll never know what their savior can do

She can be to be to me just what she is to you

There's a battle coming up and they've started taking sides

Can you really tell if you were ever alive?

I was never alive.

5. Serpent's Tongue

Poor old mother, sitting in her chair,

Running a comb through her daughter's hair

She said, “I want you to grow up, I want you to have fun,

But just beware of the serpent's tongue!”

She said, “I've done my traveling and I've seen my sights

I've seen the darkness all around that creeps into the night,

And every word he whispers will make you feel so free

But many a poor girl hangs from his tree.

The sweetest fruit is always close at hand

But it's always more tender just across the land

So take a plane or take a train or take an automobile

Take any way you can just to taste a fruit so real!”

“He'll get you when you're tired, he'll get you when you're cold

He'll curl up right next to you, shimmering scales of gold,

And every word he whispers will make you feel so right

But that's when he comes around and wraps you up so tight!

I've seen it all around me as I go from town to town

Everywhere the serpent goes the bodies line the grown

And if you don't believe me, then look no further dear,

For I was a young girl too when the serpent caught my ear.

He promised me perfection, he promised me delight,

He promised everything in sight, and I almost took that bite

But then I remembered what my mother said to me

She said don't be the next girl to hang from his tree!”

6. Faces

Every time I close my eyes, a curtain shuts, I keep inside

I lock the door and turn out the lights

And I try to think back to that time

When I was yours and you were mine

And we both had bedroom eyes.

But what's that song I used to sing, the one that meant so much to me?

I better push it off to the side.

And if I bat a lash for you to show you what I want to do

Do you think I could crash right here tonight?

There's a face in the mirror...

Every time you close your eyes, is there a face that you despise

Staring you right back in the eye?

Don't sweep it up to throw it away or save it for a rainy day

Just kick it back to your old love

Because this world is such a busy place to place your bets on just one face

But I'm still kinda wishing that you'd say

“All these looks we give to you, every single one of them is true,

And don't worry, all of our faces are the same”

Take your face from my mirror...

I don't want to be afraid but one of us will be betrayed

And I don't want to look like that tonight

So scrape away the day's decay and all the wrinkles from your faith

'Cuz I can't stand it when I have to look away.

7. Each and Every Night

Lay your head on your pillow and dream good dreams of me

'Cuz I'm so far away but I'm closer in your sleep

It's so much easier than waiting til we meet again

I'm there for you every night, my love, my closest friend

As long as you're hear, there's nothing for you to fear

I'll be by your side each and every night.

My bed's too empty to fall asleep tonight

But I see your face every time I close my eyes

And I can hear your voice softly counting sheep

And then I'm in your arms and you're rocking me to sleep.

Bonus Tracks

Apologies

If I could talk to myself loud enough to be heard

I'm sure I would hear an encouraging word

But I know what I've done and I know what I've said

And the girl in my heart is not that girl in my bed (I'm sorry...)

Well, I picked the fruit from the cherry tree

And little did I know what it'd do to me

I got the fever and I got the chills

But when I got better I went back up that hill
And so, my little darling, you can seeHow a pretty little fruit can be so deadly

Go grab your gloves and I'll grab my ax

And we can cut that cherry tree into a little wood stack

Oh, little boy blue, go and grab your gun

And we'll watch this rain fall down on everyone

All we can see when we're way up high

Is everyone else trying to touch the sky

But we can look down and wave hello!

So squeeze my arm and kiss me on the cheek

And I'll give you tomorrow if you lend me next week

I didn't have sense now to hear you sing

But I've been taking lots of lessons on home cooking

There's a lock on your belly, I can't find the key

And if you'd eat a little something I'd be so happy

Because it gets a little weary eating breakfast alone

So let me fix you something that will warm your bones

Just dig in with your fingers, wipe your mouth on your sleeve

And when you say you're finished then I will leave

Kicking stones down the sidewalk 'til the morning light

And if our pebbles touch, well that would be alright!

Oh but little boy blue yeah, it's been fun

But that rain's got to fall down on everyone

So I'll meet you on the ocean floor

Where nobody will care what we've done before

And we can look up at all them waving hello

'Cuz they'll never send us any further below

Secretary

When you walk into a room and the room it follows you

Down every avenue you take on these late nights when everyone's talking

About anyone but you, but silence is priceless when it cuts like a knife

Through every word you choose, so you sit with a blank stare

On a stool in a bar where they're calling out last call

And you dig in your pockets for those ten scribbled digits

And you're waiting for that fall, and all the starry eyed Romans

In their fancy clothes are backed into a wall

And nursing your last drink gives you more time to really think

About the hungry ache of it all, and it's not someone you're missing

Or someone she's kissing, but...

Our love is not a soapbox, she whispered in my ear

So take our names to memory and keep all your enemies near

So what's your bottom line? Are you gonna keep dancing or are you

Making more plans to leave this place on time?

And go to the ends of the earth with a friend who tells you

Everything is fine, but that's the sounds of a liar and you can't remember

Why you let that fire die, and if that was a mistake but now you just can't wait

To turn on your TV and see the faces of people who you'll never meet

Or who you'll never be, but you're not discouraged and baby why should you

Waste this charity? One foot out the front door, and the other is a suitor

Who don't look anything like me, well, I've made my peace dear

But you're hard to please 'cuz...

Nothing really matters, at least that's what you'd like to hear

But if nothing really matters, then why am I standing right here?

I'll walk you home tomorrow, and you can hold my shaking arm

And we'll take this song to memory, because we can't trust our hearts.

Unreleased Songs

Cheap Accordion

I'm a front porch singing chameleon

When I sing I'm bleeding in

To my dirty city and this dirty street

But I can't dance 'cuz I ain't got no feet

I'm a cheap accordion

I'm the master's whore for ya

Take me out whenever you're feeling fine

Oh, take me out I swear it'll be alright!

I'm a brainwash simpleton

I don't knock 'cuz I'm sneaking in

Well all your money was lying on the floor

I filled my pockets but baby I still want more.

Can you see my head it's in between your legs

Oh, look at my head it's dangling from your legs

I told you I was scared of being brave

And I won't call 'cuz it's really all the same.

And baby's too young to be carrying a child

And they're too young to make it worth your while

But my kind of love's the kind that don't discriminate

And I'm too young to sit around and wait

I'm a cheap accordion

I'm the master's whore for ya

Take me out whenever you need a ride

Take me out and I swear you'll be just fine

I'll sit shotgun and baby you can drive

But I'm gonna take you for a ride

It's gonna be alright, alright, alright, . . .

This Economy Isn't Going to Fix Itself!

I got a garden in my home

It takes four years to watch it grow

To see those vines start to unwind

To that violent beat of rotting time

And that fruit you pick you cannot sell

Another harvest here won't do me well

I got a picture in my head

It turns from green and blue back to red

It's painted like the stormy sea

And it brings me down on both my knees

To pray all night for a safe landing

In your arms or underneath

So tell me now what you said last night

Split my heart down the middle 'cuz you know it's right

And I've been waiting for that day to arrive

When work means more than to survive

I crossed a line drawn in the sand

I left my home for a better man

He's twice the boy I'll ever be

He brings home paychecks every week

He pays the rent and it's right on time

But I hope you know that my heart still lies.

I got a theory of my own

It tells me everything I need to know

About how we work and what we sow

About what we do and what we don't

It all begins with a simple twist

And then it finds its way onto your lips

I hope that you understand,

I hope that you understand that I did what I could to lend a hand.

Show Tomorrow! Free! 2/25/11 at the Eagle's Club

2011-02-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hey, all! We're playing a free show tomorrow, the 25th of February, at the legendary St. Paul Eagle's Club (287 Maria Ave). It's a showcase put on by the fine folks over at DEMO, and it will be our first time sharing the stage with our Hamline University bretheren, the Pinebox Preachers (myspace.com/thepineboxpreachers).

As with every DEMO show, there is no cover but a suggested $5 donation. This helps DEMO pay the artists and continue to put on free musical entertainment all over the Twin Cities. They're good people.

The show starts at 8:00 PM and here's the what of whom:

8PM - Christof Rochel
9:15 - Russian Bride
10:30 - Pinebox Preachers
11:45 - The Brilliant Beast

Come on out and pick up a copy of the "Bestiary" EP, sign up for our mailing list, dance a little dance, and bring that attitude to the after party being held at a currently undisclosed location following the night's revelry.

"Bestiary" reviewed on OndaRock!

2011-01-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Italian music e-zine OndaRock recently published a review of our 2010 debut EP "Bestiary" and from what Google translation tells me, they really like our sound. Gabriele Benzing, the critic who penned the review, was also hip enough to rank us #21 on his Top 30 of 2010. I'm still all a-twitter over the fact that somehow we ranked ahead of She & Him. My apologies to Mr. M. Ward.

Check out the review and the rest of OndaRock's fine offerings while you wait for February shows!

"They seem to come from the Where Wild Things Are by Spike Jonze, the prancing folkster Brilliant Beast. In their imaginary portrait, invite you to venture into the remotest recesses of the forest to find their voice: "We have mouths that open in the quiver of a chorus of gratitude and legs that are freed of their stoic posture and glide in a frenetic movement." Their debut, "Bestiary" (in download free on Bandcamp ), keeps faith with expectations, with a succession of crooked Sarabande and fiery laments rural.
Leading the dance is Jordan Porter, a young songwriter from St. Paul, Minnesota, with already had a solo album ("Sea Songs And The Senator"). The Brilliant Beast is not afraid to confess their love for Neutral Milk Hotel : and indeed, the mark of Jeff Mangum and unmistakable members leave a huge importance restlessness of songs like "Early Burglary" and "Faces." Between edges and clapping to the Violent Femmes("Take It All Away") and hiking on the side of Okkervil River ("Secretary"), to gain the limelight is the fiddle Porter's sister, Hannah, who also takes the microphone for loan This tale from the ancient taste of "Serpent's Tongue." It remains then join the chorus on the rolling country of "The Man That You Love": "So dry your eyes and sing along / To the lyrics of your favorite song."

http://www.ondarock.it/recensioni/2010_brilliantbeast.htm

Show Time!: Friday, October 15th, Acadia Cafe

2010-09-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

This one's gonna be a big one. Our Friend Adam® is throwing a big release party for Michelle Lynn's new disc, and it's going to be a grab bag who's who of superstardom. Kasey McKee will be there! Imaginary Jack will be there! Shit, we'll be there! It all starts at 8, it's free, and the beer is delicious. It's a party!

We got Blogged! or...Don't Believe Everything You Hear!

2010-08-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

So the Brilliant Beast celebrated the close of July by going down to Winona to play in the first annual MidWest Music Fest. It was quite the time. We played with Michelle Lynne and Brahman Shaman (as a one man band, quite enjoyable) on the tiny stage of the Acoustic Cafe, and wouldn't you know, there was some undercover member of the liberal media there taking notes. Here's the missive, from the desk of Winona360.com's Julie Schneider:

"Friday, July 30: 9:56 p.m.

The setting for this one is pretty sweet here at the Acoustic Café. A four-man band with a lead singer who is playing an acoustic guitar, bassist, Fiddler and a drummer from St. Paul with a brother-sister duo as far as the fiddle and lead singer go. They have a nice beat to their first song and the lead singer has a nice voice. They are upbeat with a spruce of folk to them. It is really easy to hear the lead singer, which is huge for their genre. There are about 30 people here and the crowd is into them. Good stage presence and good sense of humor. They are playing a white stripes song right now but it is a little more poppy, but they sound good with the fiddle and keep a good beat with each other. A little bit more on the venue though, the stage is alright. The band seems to be kind of tightly squeezed together, but they are going with it. They have a cool, laid back vibe and they just want the audience to enjoy some good music and if they can provide that then sweet! The fiddle adds a really cool twist to their groove because they sound more folky with it, but it is a nice twist. They sound good! They have this bluegrass sound to them too, with the brother and sister singing together. A broken acoustic guitar string moves the lead singer to use his electric guitar at this point in the show."

Thanks, Julie! My favorite part is the dramatic close. I broke two strings that show. Also, we don't know any White Stripes songs, I just like making fun of the way he talks. Maybe I should stop spouting lies on stage, or maybe that's all part of the mystique. Anyway, be on the look out for more upcoming shows. We do, after all, "keep a good beat with each other."

~Jordan!

brilliant beast awesome show great job

2010-06-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who came out last week, both to our first show with Marky and during the pride fest I suppose. Thanks for being so loud and clappy, especially when they threatened to cut the sound.

Our next show is going to be down in Winona at the end of July for the Midwest Music Fest. We'll maul you with more details when we get 'em. Stay ferocious, all.

Papa's Got a Brand New Beast

2010-06-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

Adam has departed for the pastoral plains of Postville, Iowa to run a radio station, leaving the Beast with a significant lack of bottom end. But have no fear, Mark Kartarik is here! Mark will be taking over the bass playing in the Brilliant Beast, and we here at Beast & Sons are all very excited about him hitching his wings to this star.

Come see Mark in action for the first time on June 24th at the Acadia Cafe, right on the corner of Cedar and Riverside in Minneapolis. It's free (donations welcome)!

EPK

2010-04-01T02:15:00.000-07:00

Listen:
<a href="http://thebrilliantbeast.bandcamp.com/track/take-it-all-away">Take It All Away by The Brilliant Beast</a>Take It All Away
<a href="http://thebrilliantbeast.bandcamp.com/track/early-burglary">Early Burglary by The Brilliant Beast</a>Early Burglary
<a href="http://thebrilliantbeast.bandcamp.com/track/the-man-that-you-love">The Man That You Love by The Brilliant Beast</a>The Man That You Love

Press Materials:
Press one-sheet (PDF)
Hi-res promo photo (1)
Hi-res promo photo (2)
Hi-res promo photo (3)
Hi-res promo photo (4)

Contact:
Jordan Porter - jcporter03@gmail.com

Discography:
Beastiary EP (2010; JCP Music)
Sea Songs and the Senator (2007; JCP Music)

Biography:
Do you hear that rustle from over there? That shaking deep down in the underbrush? Don’t be frightened, for if you look closer you will see that it is none other than the Brilliant Beast!

The brilliant beast, you say, whatsoever could that be? Well, my intrepid friend, the Brilliant Beast is a quartet led by the siblings Jordan and Hannah Porter. These are young people armed with strings and power, whose members see the at their mouths open in thankful chant, whose legs jettison their stoic posture and slip into agitated motion.

If you listen to the in-between spaces of the forest, you can hear the sound of their caterwaul – rootsy stomp country shuffles, jangling and bouncing power-folk, maul-worthy secret rockers – the night air is haunted with its horrible hollers. Can you see the circle of children surrounding the brush?

Did you notice how a-rhythmically they’re dancing? Are you sure your child is not among them? No, no, dear reader, do be frightened, be very frightened! For we are not dealing with your average bear. The Brilliant Beast is a cut above the rest, and it's rising up behind you….

Band Members:
Jordan Porter - Vocals / Guitar
Hannah Porter - Fiddle, Guitar, Vocals
Eric Whalen - Drums
Mark Kartarik - Bass

Links: Band Members:
Official Website
Music Store / Stream

Videos:

Anne Simley Theater Photos

2010-03-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Contact

2010-03-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Booking & General Inquiries:

Jordan C. Porter

jcporter03@gmail.com

Promotional Inquiries:

Adam Wiltgen, Driftless Music

adam@driftlessmusic.com

507-459-3575

Black Box Photos

2010-03-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Brilliant Beast Videos

2010-03-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Bio

2010-03-04T02:03:00.000-08:00

Do you hear that rustle from over there? That shaking deep down in the underbrush? Don’t be frightened, for if you look closer you will see that it is none other than the Brilliant Beast!

The brilliant beast, you say, whatsoever could that be? Well, my intrepid friend, the Brilliant Beast is a quartet led by the siblings Jordan and Hannah Porter. These are young people armed with strings and power, whose members see the at their mouths open in thankful chant, whose legs jettison their stoic posture and slip into agitated motion.

If you listen to the in-between spaces of the forest, you can hear the sound of their caterwaul – rootsy stomp country shuffles, jangling and bouncing power-folk, maul-worthy secret rockers – the night air is haunted with its horrible hollers. Can you see the circle of children surrounding the brush?

Did you notice how a-rhythmically they’re dancing? Are you sure your child is not among them? No, no, dear reader, do be frightened, be very frightened! For we are not dealing with your average bear. The Brilliant Beast is a cut above the rest, and it's rising up behind you….

Jordan Porter - Vocals / Guitar
Hannah Porter - Fiddle, Guitar, Vocals
Eric Whalen - Drums
Mark Kartarik - Bass

Ed's Bar Photos

2009-07-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

St Paul Eagles Club Photos

2009-07-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Acadia Cafe Photos

2009-07-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.