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".
No I Won't Go
Brick+Mortar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back foot say you better go
Why would you say that to me?
Black forest cherry love
First there was blood, then there were tears
I gave you my word, but I gotta run
Over and over, claim that I'm sober
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
Better run, I got my reasons
You should know that more than anyone
No I won't, no I don't, no I won't ever go
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
Dangers, dangers stepping in
Look at that white light soaked in skin
Break my bones with every word
Black forest cherry love
First there was blood, then there were tears
I gave you my word, but I gotta run
Over and over, claim that I'm sober
Over and over
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
Better run, I got my reasons
You should know that more than anyone
No I won't, no I don't, no I won't ever go
Once more, you've heard it all before but you stay, stay
Cause they cut your lock on the door
Once more, you've heard it all before
But you stay, don't cut my life's on the run
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
Better run, I got my reasons
You should know that more than anyone
No I won't, no I don't, no I won't ever go
Looking at me, looking at me
Better than the man I am
Better run, I got my reasons
You should know that more than anyone
No I won't, no I don't, no I won't ever go
The lyrics to Brick+Mortar's song "No I Won't Go" convey a sense of urgency and defiance. The repeated phrase "No I won't go" suggests that the subject of the song is being pushed to leave or give up on something, but they refuse to do so. The reference to a "black forest cherry love" may symbolize a sweet but dangerous situation, perhaps a toxic relationship or addictive behavior.
The lines "First there was blood, then there were tears, I gave you my word, but I gotta run" suggest a violent or emotional conflict that the subject is trying to escape. They feel the need to assert their autonomy and refuse to be controlled or manipulated by others. The line "Look at that white light soaked in skin, break my bones with every word" could reference the blinding, damaging effect of gaslighting or emotional abuse.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of strength and determination in the face of adversity. The subject of the song is refusing to be beaten down or coerced into giving up, even when it might be easier to do so. The repetition of the phrase "No I won't go" reinforces this message and gives the song a powerful, anthemic quality.
Line by Line Meaning
Stranger, stranger, where've you been?
Asking where someone has been, possibly after a long absence.
Back foot say you better go
Feeling pushed away from a situation or conversation.
Why would you say that to me?
Questioning why someone is being confrontational or dismissive.
Black forest cherry love
A recurring motif that represents the good and bad aspects of a relationship.
First there was blood, then there were tears
Recalling the pain and hurt experienced in the relationship.
I gave you my word, but I gotta run
Breaking promises due to the need to move on and let go.
Over and over, claim that I'm sober
Trying to convince oneself, and maybe others, that they are strong enough to handle the situation.
No I won't go, I won't go, I won't ever go
Resisting the negative forces that are trying to push them away.
Better run, I got my reasons
Feeling the need to leave a situation to avoid being hurt or manipulated.
You should know that more than anyone
Addressing someone who was close to them and should understand their reasons.
No I won't, no I don't, no I won't ever go
Reaffirming their resolve to stay and fight for what they want.
Dangers, dangers stepping in
Feeling like the situation is becoming more dangerous and threatening.
Look at that white light soaked in skin
Feeling exposed and vulnerable to the negative forces around them.
Break my bones with every word
Realizing the emotional pain and hurt that comes with staying in the relationship.
Once more, you've heard it all before but you stay, stay
Addressing someone who has heard their reasons for staying before but remains unsupportive.
Cause they cut your lock on the door
Feeling like someone who was previously supportive has turned their back on them.
But you stay, don't cut my life's on the run
Trying to hold onto the good parts of the relationship while letting go of the bad.
Looking at me, looking at me
Feeling judged or exposed by someone else's gaze.
Better than the man I am
Feeling inferior to someone else, possibly due to the negative forces affecting their relationship.
Contributed by Gavin E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@s-1684
I started being loyal 5 years ago when I was into a game Need for Speed Rivals. Im here to support no matter how old songs are, they are crucial in life. You all have defined one of the reasons I had enjoyed things in life. Thank you.
@freddyfazbear1981
I can't understand why these guys aren't HUGE! FANTASTIC live show and phenomenal music. I think they're amazing, And hope to see them blow up one day!
@lostsoulfy658
Freddy Fazbear 9 months later we still wish
@gronk2714
Still not that popular, music still slaps.
@marble228
Sus
@gronk2714
@Not a Mortis. amogus
@grixx9707
@@gronk2714⛔️
@windfalls238
"Who could I be, Other than the man I am?" is by far one of my favorite lyrics.
@BrickAndMortar
glad you guys connect with this tune...
@paulkuhns2175
20 year old trying to make it in the music business right here. You guys are huge inspiration! Love your music, style, and lyrics. Keep doing what you do