Brillig

About Brillig
"Curiously dark, both lyrically & in mannerism, Brillig possess an odd quality that imbues adept story-telling with days-gone-by poetic flair." - dB Magazine
SOUND & STYLE
Combining sea shanties, murder ballads, tender tales of lost love & lost life, Brillig's inimitable style is enchantingly melancholic, beautifully tragic, & strangely uplifting...
With a deliciously dark look & captivating stage presence, Brillig draws its audience in with their command of infectious melodies and sweet harmonies. This dreamily romantic style draw influence from such noted songwriters & storytellers as Nick Cave, The Decemberists, Leonard Cohen & Neil Young.
Driven by the vocal harmony & interplay between lead singers and multi-instrumentalists Matt Swayne & Elizabeth Reid, Brillig's trademark sound features a graceful combination of acoustic guitar, viola, autoharp, harmonica, banjo, piano accordion and ukulele. Bassist Denni Meredith combines rich and thoughtful melody with smooth rhythm, while drummer Ben Macklin (ex-Bit By Bats) adds his superb & subtle percussive style.
RECORDINGS
Brillig is signed to German indie label Black Rain Records for the territories of Europe, North America & Russia, while remaining independent in the band's home country of Australia.
The band's recordings have earned national and international airplay, including national station Triple J (Australia) and reaching number 3 on the Italian Alternative Chart (2007) alongside such acts as Interpol and The Editors. The band's 2007 releases have been receiving glowing reviews from the UK to Italy, Russia to Germany. See the Press page for quotes.
Over the years Brillig's recordings have also enjoyed sold-out pressings (MRA), national & international distribution (MGM, MRA, Black Rain), inclusion on numerous compilation CDs around the world, and critical acclaim (Top 10 LPs of the year voted by SA press, South Australian Music Award -Best Release).
On Halloween 2008 Brillig released five track EP "Jack Davey". In the same week, the EP went to #1 (twice in a row) on popular South Australian tastemaker station, Three D Radio. The EP also became the #3 most-played record on the station for 2008, ahead of such acts as The Audreys, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Cat Power.
In May 2009, Brillig will follow up the EP's success with the release of their debut acoustic full LP "The Red Coats" across Europe, UK, Russia and North America. The 12 track album was recorded by famed South Australian producer Matt Hills (Wolf & Cub, The Lucksmiths), and its release coincides with the band's international festival debut in Leipzig (Germany) in May 2009, along with dates in Berlin & Prague. See the Gigs page for details.
LIVE
Brillig haves supported such acclaimed acts as The Handsome Family (USA), The Audreys, CW Stoneking, Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything), Ned Collette, Sime Nugent, Martin Martini & The Bone Palace Orchestra, The Yearlings & more. Brillig has performed across Australia and has enjoyed a great response to its national tours and regional gigs series.
Brillig's live performances are truly an 'event.' Known for theatricality & love of elaborate stage settings, the band captivates their audience both visually & sonically.
As Brillig takes their name from the poem "Jabberwocky" in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, it's only fitting that their recent stage set featured a 'Mad Tea Party' theme & Wonderland atmosphere.
This otherworldly style has attracted fans from all walks of life; trendsetter indie kids, roots-n-blues aficionados, goths, Americana folk enthusiasts - the band has an uncanny ability to appeal to anyone who enjoys the unexpected. The eclectic crowd is often so attentive you can hear a pin drop.
Able to perform as a duo, trio or full four-piece band, Brillig suits any stage from the intimate to the immense - a versatility that has seen them support major touring acts from a variety of genres as well as headline their own tours.