If there was ever an aptly named band, it would be Brass Rave Unit. Merging the sounds of the Amsterdam underground with a sense of urgency and pulsating beats the trio pushes the sonic boundaries of their instruments, exploring boldly the realms where no band has gone before.
With "It Burns the Midnight Oil" the group bundles their decadelong experience of creating hype-filled late night performances into a record for the ages. Featuring 12 tracks that condense the energy of the group into a musical statement. Whilst opening track "Energy 23" reminds the listener of a darker shade of techno, "Gotta Give It (My All)" is a more poppy, svelte club hit. "The Night Contract" pushes endless stacatto riffs with rolling synths to create a trance anthem that delivers. "Aishiteru" is a scream for love, featuring a poem by underground psychedelic rock guitarist Taka Fujimoto. "I'm Feeling Myself" combines a sex positive voice message with a put your hands up high moment. "Anti-Fascist Rock Track" delivers the heaviest of baritone saxophone riffs with a political message. Record closer "Serendipity" is a 12 minute respite from all the energy driven musicianship and offers an ambient closer with flutes and bass clarinet.
Mixed by Amsterdam house-legends Dam Swindle this record represents the current state of affairs when it comes to the live/electronic hybrid sound that has come forth from the city. A 12 track journey through the night, featuring plenty of opportunities to release some excess energy and burn some bridges.
Somewhere reminiscent of post-unification Berlin and early 90’s Ibiza whilst providing the soundtrack for raving at the precipice, where late-stage capitalism rapidly commercializes and gentrifies the dancefloors Brass Rave Unit looks for the all-out party. Please leave your smartphone at the door and turn around two times at the intersection of MTV the Grind meets the Zion dancefloor scene in the Matrix Reloaded.