Brand X - Unorthodox Behaviour: A Fusion Milestone
Historical Context
The year 1976 was a time of musical transformation. Rock music had diversified into punk, disco was rapidly taking over clubs, and progressive rock bands like Yes, Genesis, and King Crimson were experimenting with complex structures. In the broader world, the aftermath of the Vietnam War, economic turbulence, and a changing cultural landscape influenced art and music. It was in this climate that Brand X released their debut album "Unorthodox Behaviour," a bold statement in the emerging jazz fusion movement.
The Music Genre
Jazz fusion emerged in the late 1960s as musicians sought to combine the improvisational depth of jazz with the electric energy of rock. By the mid-1970s, acts like Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Return to Forever had defined the sound. Brand X, however, brought a distinctly British twist, integrating elements of progressive rock into their jazz foundation. "Unorthodox Behaviour" reflects this, offering long instrumental passages filled with shifting time signatures, tight grooves, and a willingness to explore unconventional harmonies.
Musical Exploration
The album’s compositions highlight the band’s adventurous spirit. Tracks like “Nuclear Burn” and “Born Ugly” showcase dizzying rhythm changes and intricate bass lines, while “Euthanasia Waltz” blends subtle jazz textures with rock guitar phrasing. The title track, “Unorthodox Behaviour,” serves as a centerpiece, balancing atmospheric passages with bursts of instrumental intensity. The absence of vocals leaves the spotlight on the interplay between instruments, inviting listeners into a pure sound journey.
Phil Collins and the Line-up
Although best known as the drummer and later frontman of Genesis, Phil Collins was deeply involved in jazz and fusion projects. He joined Brand X in its formative period, drawn by the chance to experiment outside the confines of mainstream rock. Alongside Collins were bassist Percy Jones, guitarist John Goodsall, and keyboardist Robin Lumley, with producer Dennis Mackay guiding the sound. This line-up created a tight-knit unit, each member contributing distinct skills that elevated the album’s complexity.
Formation and Band History
Brand X formed in London in the mid-1970s when a group of session musicians sought an outlet for creative freedom. Initially, they played informal gigs before securing a record deal that allowed them to record their debut. Their reputation quickly grew as one of the UK’s most sophisticated fusion groups. Over the years, the band would undergo numerous line-up changes, but this original formation remains their most celebrated, with "Unorthodox Behaviour" establishing their reputation internationally.
Controversies and Reception
Unlike punk or disco, which stirred cultural and generational debates, the release of "Unorthodox Behaviour" did not ignite broad social controversy. However, it did spark debates within the rock and jazz communities. Some traditionalists dismissed the album as overly technical, prioritizing complexity over emotion, while others hailed it as a masterpiece of musicianship and daring. Critics noted the surprise of seeing Phil Collins, already famous with Genesis, devoting himself to an experimental side project, which challenged perceptions of his artistic identity.
