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".
Move To The Ocean
Brick+Mortar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say that you have to
Think about the things you did
Things that they don't do
Together we could make a stand
You could take some too
Cause i could use a helping hand
to feed off the daylight
was hoping that you'd understand
i got a darkness darkness
but you don't gotta hold my hand
do you got a darkness darkness
together we could take a stand
first 10 years didn't feel so hard
7 after that seemed to push me too far
jump to 19 i'm livin outta my car
wrote my first song and took back my heart
sick and tired of feeling like i'm such a loser
sick and tiredof feelin it always always
i know iknow i know i know i know i know
we'll move to the ocean
to feed off the daylight
was hoping that you'd understand
i got a darkness darkness
but you don't gotta hold my hand
do you got a darkness darkness
together we could take a stand
steal what you can and keep what you got
give it to the world and don't ever stop
work all day with your feet on the floor
harder harder harder for a little bit more
its possible
do you think about the life you live
say that you had o
think about the things you did
things that they won't do
I think I'm gonna make a stand
you should make one too
together we could make a stand
End
The lyrics to Brick+Mortar's "Move To The Ocean" delves into the struggles and perseverance of the human experience. The first verse highlights the importance of reflection and introspection. The lines "Do you think about the life you live, say that you have to, think about the things you did, things that they don't do" urge listeners to evaluate their actions and decisions to improve their present and future conditions. The following lines "Together we could make a stand, you could take some too, cause I could use a helping hand" encourages unity and collaboration to overcome personal, societal, and global challenges.
The next verse paints a picture of the artist's journey, starting with a relatively easy childhood phase, followed by a difficult teenage phase, and culminating with a newfound passion for music. Despite the hardships, the lyrics communicate hope and resilience through lines like "sick and tired of feeling like I'm such a loser, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know" and "together we could take a stand." The chorus drives home the message of the song's title, suggesting that moving to the ocean and feeding off its natural beauty and energy can heal even the darkest parts of oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you think about the life you live
Do you reflect on your current existence and the decisions you made to get there?
Say that you have to
It is necessary to contemplate and evaluate one's life situation.
Think about the things you did
Consider the actions you have taken in the past.
Things that they don't do
These are things that other people may not have done.
Together we could make a stand
Collaborate with someone to take a strong position for or against something.
You could take some too
You could also benefit from the actions we will take together.
Cause i could use a helping hand
I would appreciate assistance and support.
We'll move to the ocean
Let us relocate to the coast.
to feed off the daylight
We can gain energy and vitality from sunlight.
was hoping that you'd understand
I hoped that you would comprehend and support this decision.
i got a darkness darkness
I am dealing with emotional or mental struggles.
but you don't gotta hold my hand
You do not need to provide me with constant reassurance or assistance.
do you got a darkness darkness
Do you also struggle with emotional or mental issues?
together we could take a stand
We can work together to take a strong position for or against something.
first 10 years didn't feel so hard
The initial ten years of life seemed less difficult and challenging.
7 after that seemed to push me too far
The following seven years seemed to be more challenging and overwhelming.
jump to 19 i'm livin outta my car
At 19, I was homeless and living in my car.
wrote my first song and took back my heart
I regained control of my emotions and started writing music.
sick and tired of feeling like i'm such a loser
I am fed up with feeling like a failure.
sick and tiredof feelin it always always
I am tired of constantly feeling negative emotions.
i know iknow i know i know i know i know
I am aware of and familiar with this feeling.
steal what you can and keep what you got
Take advantage of opportunities and hold onto what you have.
give it to the world and don't ever stop
Share your talents and gifts with others and never give up on your dreams.
work all day with your feet on the floor
Grind and hustle all day, working hard with your feet on the ground.
harder harder harder for a little bit more
Push yourself to work even harder to achieve a bit more success.
its possible
Success is achievable.
I think I'm gonna make a stand
I am going to take a strong position on something.
you should make one too
You should also take a stand on something you believe in.
together we could make a stand
Collaborate with someone to take a strong position for or against something.
Contributed by Alyssa P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
kiara Tayato
This band is so underrated. I can really feel the bass and emotion in this song
Wealth
Gotta say the ocean shots are amazing well done
Leave me be
This band needs to be more popular like if you agree
Bubalues
Stop asking for likes
JingleBelIRock
im not liking but i do agree
Sulphuric Acid H2SO4
@JingleBelIRock same
eon
@JingleBelIRock same
Cronaut
Both video and soundtrack are top notch. Thank you for doing this, guys!
ProtoFury
This song gives me very good vibes and the bass is just 👌
MissMuffin
I just love this music! Is incredible!!