Brick + Mortar (Asbury Park, NJ) are an indie rock, drum and bass duo forme… Read Full Bio ↴Brick + Mortar (Asbury Park, NJ) are an indie rock, drum and bass duo formed by Brandon Asraf (bass guitar, vocals) and bandmate John Tacon (drums, electronic samples, vocals). Brick + Mortar have garnered a notable amount of regional success since their 2008 formation, making them a significant part of the musical and artistic culture of Asbury Park, New Jersey as it is the first electronic drum and bass pop duo to have such success in the area.

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".

Voodoo Child
Brick+Mortar Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, I stand up next to a mountain
And I chop it down with the edge of my hand
Yeah
Well, I stand up next to a mountain
And I chop it down with the edge of my hand
Well, I pick up all the pieces and make an island
Might even raise a little sand
Yeah

'cause I'm a voodoo child
Lord knows I'm a voodoo child baby
I want to say one more last thing
I didn't mean to take up all your sweet time
I'll give it right back to ya one of these days
Hahaha
I said I didn't mean to take up all your sweet time
I'll give it right back one of these days
Oh yeah
If I don't meet you no more in this world then uh
I'll meet ya on the next one
And don't be late
Don't be late
'cause I'm a voodoo child voodoo child
Lord knows I'm a voodoo child
Hey hey hey
I'm a voodoo child baby
I don't take no for an answer

Question no
Yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Brick+Mortar's song Voodoo Child can be interpreted in different ways. One possible explanation is that the singer is expressing their power and confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles and create something from nothing. The metaphor of standing next to a mountain and chopping it down with the edge of their hand suggests that they have the strength and determination to conquer even the most daunting challenges. The line "I pick up all the pieces and make an island, might even raise a little sand" further illustrates their ability to transform and create.

The refrain "Lord knows I'm a voodoo child" could be interpreted in different ways, but it suggests a sense of otherness or mystique. The singer may be embracing their unconventional or supernatural qualities, such as an ability to cast spells or control forces beyond human understanding. The final lines of the song, "If I don't meet you no more in this world then uh, I'll meet ya on the next one and don't be late" could be seen as a reference to the singer's belief in an afterlife or an alternative reality. Their confidence in their own power and their willingness to face the unknown suggest a sense of bravery and self-assurance.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, I stand up next to a mountain
I am standing up to a big obstacle in my life

And I chop it down with the edge of my hand
And I conquer it with all my strength and power

Yeah

Well, I pick up all the pieces and make an island
I collect all the broken pieces and turn them into something new and beautiful

Might even raise a little sand
I might even cause a little chaos in the process

Yeah

'cause I'm a voodoo child
It's because I have a magical power that helps me overcome obstacles

Lord knows I'm a voodoo child baby
I have a special ability that comes from a higher power

I want to say one more last thing
I have one more thing to say before I go

I didn't mean to take up all your sweet time
I'm sorry if I wasted your time

I'll give it right back to ya one of these days
I'll make it up to you soon