Since middle school, the two bonded further over their shared interest in the artistry of songwriting. As Brick + Mortar, they began focusing more heavily on the use of electronic samples in their music as well as relying less on improvisation and more on structured pop songs. Brick + Mortar represent the underground, the oppressed, the disillusioned, and voiceless. Fusing driving percussion, grooving bass, eclectic samples, and anthemic vocals, the band creates a new world sound that is so fresh you truly need to hear it for yourself.
The roots of several of Brick + Mortar's songs stem from the incredible experiences of lead singer Brandon Asraf's childhood as the son of a international blood diamond smuggler. In the band's lead single "Bangs", the bass hits like a massive punch to the face, and the narrative of the ultra-violent accompanying video, based on the life of Asraf's father, is likely one of the more brutal stories you've ever bore witness to. "This video opened the door for us to be more than a band. People seem to wait for that song to sing their hearts out at shows," explains Asraf of the impact the single has had on the band. To quote Nylon Magazine, “There’s an undeniable energy that charges through New Jersey-based duo Brick + Mortar…Lead singer Brandon Asraf’s voice has a ferocious punch to it and effortlessly moves from solemn croon to savage cry without losing an ounce of passion along the way. Tensions build and tribal beats boom under biting lyrics. These guys will hit you like a delightful ton of bricks (pun intended).”
Brick + Mortar are set to release their 7-song EP titled “Bangs” on July 30th, and includes favorites such as “Bangs”, “Heatstroke” and “Old Boy” along with brand new tracks “Terrible Things”, “No I Won’t Go”, “Locked In A Cage”, as well as “Keep This Place Beautiful” which was co-written by Justyn Pilbrow (The Neighborhood - “Sweater Weather”).
Brick + Mortar's consistent performances quickly gained them a strong following as one of the best live bands in the Asbury Park music scene. Notable support for national acts include performances with Galactic, Jimmy Eat World, H.R. [Bad Brains], and Cymbals Eat Guitars. Their live show is a party that erupts like a magnetic sonic volcano catching the attention of everyone in the room, drawing them to the stage full of intrigue and energy.
Aside from touring Brick + Mortar will also be busy with several other projects this Fall, including putting out a fully animated music video created by artist Richie Brown and focusing on writing for their debut full length. "The goal is to make our album an audiovisual experience. I feel like the songs we are working on are our best yet. We are ready to make a full length record. We are not for the faint of heart. Our brash, gritty, whip-smart sound foregoes guitar in favor of bass, drums, and electronic samples. At our shows, the audience is part of the band. That's what makes playing each show uniquely exciting and inspiring. We will give you 100% every time because we truly love what we do. Hopefully, you give us 100% back".
Hollow Tune
Brick+Mortar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heard from the dead, when I was born.
My weakened bones and my blood shot eyes.
A one way street to nowhere.
Neon lights so soft like blankets,
seen you smile in a secret language.
Love i know is like the ocean.
A hollow tune, within the fire.
I feel them breathe, so uninspired.
My broken hands my weary bones,
I sit my words beside my throne.
You're not alone. I'm not alone.
Can you hear me thunder?
You're not alone.
I'm lost again, but i'm still alive.
Your broken heart I sacrificed.
I'm sorry for all that I've done,
To find my voice;
I'm someone.
Neon lights so soft like blankets,
seen you smile in a secret language.
Love i know is like the ocean.
A hollow tune, within the fire.
I feel them breathe, so uninspired.
My broken hands my weary bones,
I sit my words beside my throne.
You're not alone. I'm not alone.
Can you hear me thunder?
You're not alone.
Forever! Forever now we can live! Tell me when we can talk again.
Show me,
are you real or are you just pretend?
Neon lights so soft like blankets,
seen you smile in a secret language.
Love i know is like the ocean.
A hollow tune, within the fire.
I feel them breathe, so uninspired.
My broken hands my weary bones,
I sit my words beside my throne.
You're not alone. I'm not alone.
Can you hear me thunder?
You're not alone.
The lyrics of Brick+Mortar's song "Hollow Tune" express a sense of longing and disconnection but also a desire for connection and understanding. In the opening lines, the singer acknowledges that while they may not have been born a fool, they have struggled to find their way in the world. They feel like they are on a one-way street to nowhere and are weighed down by weakened bones and bloodshot eyes, suggesting feelings of fatigue and weariness.
The chorus features the repeated phrase "hollow tune," which could be interpreted as the emptiness or hollowness the singer feels in their life. The image of a tune suggests a lack of substance or meaningfulness, as if the melody is empty and devoid of emotion. However, the chorus also includes the lines "you're not alone," suggesting a desire for connection and hope that the singer is not the only one experiencing this sense of disconnection.
Throughout the song, the imagery of neon lights, secret language, and the ocean suggest a world full of hidden mysteries and unspoken connections. The final lines of the song express a hope for a future where the singer can truly connect with someone and be understood.
Overall, "Hollow Tune" is a song that explores themes of loneliness, disconnection, and the desire for understanding and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Not born a fool, But I've found my door.
I was not always foolish though I had to struggle in my life for the opportunities I deserved.
Heard from the dead, when I was born.
When I was born, I had an idea that our ancestors passed information to me.
My weakened bones and my bloodshot eyes.
I became so weak that it was evident in my appearance.
A one way street to nowhere.
I felt like I was going nowhere at times, and nothing seemed worth it.
Neon lights so soft like blankets, seen you smile in a secret language. Love I know is like the ocean.
I remember when I saw you under the comforting glow of a neon light, we had this private conversation, and that was the moment I understood what love felt.
A hollow tune, within the fire. I feel them breathe, so uninspired. My broken hands my weary bones, I sit my words beside my throne. You're not alone. I'm not alone. Can you hear me thunder? You're not alone.
My life felt dull and uneventful, and I felt like my existence was just empty noise till I realized that we all share similar pain, and therefore, we're like brothers and sisters. Even when we're alone, we should all come together and be there for one another.
I'm lost again, but I'm still alive. Your broken heart I sacrificed. I'm sorry for all that I've done, To find my voice; I'm someone.
Although I may feel like I've lost my way, I've come too far and stayed alive against all odds. I know I let you down before, but I'm trying to be someone significant, and I'm so sorry for my past behavior.
Forever! Forever now we can live! Tell me when we can talk again. Show me, are you real or are you just pretend?
Now and forever, we can finally live and make something worthwhile of our lives. I miss the conversations we've had, and I hope we'll be able to catch up soon. Please tell me you haven't changed into someone else entirely, and you're still the real you.
Contributed by Joshua N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Archarian
I work in a burger restaurant in Moscow during the summer break and I heard this song through the stereo but, since I didn't have Shazam installed, I couldn't find out the name. Every day since then I had been coming to work with the hope to find this song... and then I heard it. That was yesterday and now I've come here to tell you that this is pure amazing, the chorus gives me chills.
@SebastienJoye_
💓
@mikeyg831
That's a great story I love finding songs that way makes them feel that much more important
@renpan
Music unites ....doesn't matter where you from at this times. Love and peace from Switzerland
@emilyo604
This song is honestly so under-rated. This should have twice as many views. More even.
@ElZedLoL
8 mil candidate
@katalinnagy7375
Yeah,how is it possible?😩
@nateimbalzano7163
I unoffically call Jan 23 brick + mortar day! We saw them today 9 years ago and I knew they were special but my ex went into labor at their concert during their radio set... Extremely underrated for an amazing talent from NJ! ❤️
@sinewedbastion
It's absolutely criminal that this song has so few views.
@user-gx7sv4tp7n
Absolutely 💯