Best of The Brvtalist 2014 - Live Shows

There was so much good stuff this past year by way of parties, live acts, DJs and more.  This may even be the best year in recent memory, so it will be hard to pluck a select few from the batch.  This list includes all of the above  and here are some of the nights that defined 2014 for me.

I can’t pick a #1, but if I had to it might be this.  Seeing Godflesh live was almost surreal and they are a band that has almost morphed into some incredible myth throughout the years.  After being let down the previous Fall by a cancelled show due to a passport issue, when I saw it was resurrected, I almost lost it.  Throw in Cut Hands and you’ve got pure magic. Godflesh delivered x1000 and I thought my ears may have suffered permanent damage, which I was kind of ok with. Amazing show that I think I’ll always remember.

It’s crazy to say that I hadn’t seen Nick Cave before this show. He’s always been a huge influence on me, but I skipped some of the Grinderman tours and balked at the high ticket prices for some of the other gigs in L.A. throughout the years.  When this show came up, I found decent tickets and decided to go for it. I honestly haven’t been a huge fan of some of the more recent output but it’s still Nick Cave. I couldn’t be happier that I went because the show was amazing.  They played all the old favorites and some of the live versions were incredible.  At this age he’s still got a youthful energy and swagger that can’t be denied.

Was there any place I visited more than The Complex this past year? Probably not and “Manufactured” is great summation of all the incredible music the venue has hosted. THREE nights of L.A.’s homegrown “dark electronic” music talent.  From kicking things off with Vogel to crushing on Tearist to seeing Silent Servant destroy LIVE, I didn’t think I was going to survive after that weekend. Hoping they keep this going!

This entry almost isn’t fair because not only was it my first trip to Berlin (and Berghain) but this was one of the best nights of the year in my opinion. It’s hard to describe the atmosphere inside so that’s why it’s better if you just go. I partied there over the course of two days and saw everyone from Rrose to Lucy on Sunday night. It almost seems surreal. Can’t wait to go back.

We are so lucky to have Maldoror in L.A.. After going to so many, it’s easy to take it for granted. I could have a Maldoror only list and it wouldn’t be easy. This particular one stood out because all of the pieces were amazing. Sleep Clinic to Profilgate, but the one performance that blew my mind was Encapsulate. I’m still talking about that show and I remember going outside after he was done and just processing it for a few minutes.

Along with The Complex is there anyone who has done more for Los Angeles than Mount Analog? Mahssa has put together shows that even Berliners are jealous of.  Nuit Noire has become a touchstone night and every event gets more and more impressive. I picked the 10th installment because it was an incredible melding of genres, newcomers and legends all alike. Where else does Marshstepper and Henning Baer make this much sense? Amazing night at a great new host venue. Thank you Mount Analog.

These are just a FEW of an incredible year of live music and events. I’ve been to Berlin, New York, San Francisco and others all pretty recently and I have to say Los Angeles is doing it better than anyone. Thanks to all of the acts, promoters, venues and fans.  Looking forward to a great 2015.  

Best of The Brvtalist - 2014

I never really like compiling lists of the year’s best but at the same time it’s hard NOT to revisit at least a few things that really left an impact over the last 365 days. One thing that comes to mind right away is Under The Skin. Director Johnathan Glazer’s quiet, pensive, yet masterful science fiction film resonated with me down to the core.  One of the big reasons for this is Mica Levi’s accompanying soundtrack.  Perhaps one of the best science fiction, if not film soundtracks to come out in years, the music was absolutely essential to creating the atmosphere and mood of the film.  Parts of it were recorded in a giant shipping container and the percussion and strings were eerie and aggressive at the same time.  Scarlett Johansson played a beautifully terrifying alien that should really be every man’s worst nightmare.  Along with numerous music videos and commercials, Glazer has put together three great films, with Under The Skin being his best one yet.  The use of soundtracks also is been lost in science fiction and horror films throughout the years but this brought marriage back in a big way. For both the movie and the soundtrack, this was easily one of my favorite projects of the year.

-JRS

The 2014 Holiday BRVTAL-List: Pour Femme

A holiday list for all the Brvtal ladies!

Don’t Shoot the Messenger
Huge fan of DSTM from Berlin! We visited their store in Mitte this past summer and I wanted to take everything home! The Soma Poncho is perfect for LA winters - wrap it or let it hang for different looks $295.68 US.

Tulip Dress from Australian label Shakuhachi. $266 at Need Supply.

Toilet Paper 2015 Calendar
The Toiletpaper wall calendar 2015 features photographs conceived by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari taken from their magazine Toiletpaper, an image-only publication devoted to the combination of the height of attractiveness with that of ugliness. (LNCC) $20 at Barnes & Noble.

Myrrh Choker Necklace - $130 at Otherwild

Vagabond Shoes
I love Vagabond shoes from Sweden. These have the perfect punk rock pointed toe along with cut out sides and a buckle.
Vagabond Marja Boot $140 USD

Carlo Mollino - Polaroids
Polaroids is a collection of artfully shot erotic photos by designer Carlo Mollino taken in the last 14 years of his life. Mollino’s career spanned four decades during which he designed furniture, buildings, women’s fashion, racing cars, and theater sets - most of which were inspired by movement and sensuality. Available on Amazon $40

Silver Lining Opticians
Unisex is best when in comes to sunglasses at Brvtalist headquarters. Digging this pair from Silver Lining Opticians.

Men’s Phosphorus Sunglasses at Totokaelo $375

A Lab on Fire - What We Do in Paris is Secret
My go to fragrance again and again. Described as “rich, sweet notes of vanilla, honey, tonka bean and tolu, the warm sensuality of sandalwood, musks, ambergris, and the playful Turkish rose, lychee and bergamot” - this scent is addictive. Available at Lucky Scent $110

Chromat
We’ve been following Chromat for a long time and have really enjoyed seeing the evolution of this brand! Super talented architecture student turned fashion designer Becca McCharen continues to expand the brand by introducing new elements like LED lights (as seen above with the Bionic LED Cage Cape) and introducing a Curve line for sexy women of all sizes.

(L-R TOP) Bionic LED Cage Cape $1668, Axis Belt $216
 Underwire Bralette Curve $282, Coil Skirt $499

Collina Strada Novella Backpack at OAK $600 
A place to stash all your new goods!

Happy Holidaze! -TB

The Brvtal List - Holiday 2014

It’s finally here. Tis the season of giving, but also RECEIVING. With so many options on the market, it’s become incredibly difficult to sift through the mess and find what’s truly Brvtal. Without further ado, behold The Brvtal List: 

Fashion

A big fan of the new Actual Pain x Straight to Hell Moto Jacket. Buffalo leather, marble lining and nickel hardware is all looking good and for a great price as well. At Full Breach. 

Alexander Plokhov Cape - Stay warm, comfortable and look like a super villain. This whole list could just be Plohkov, but I had to edit a little bit. At Alexander Plokhov. 

The April 77 Brit Open Black denim jacket is a great fitting option with a black button snap front and a unique zip detail around the waist. At April 77. 

Get future with Acne Studios’ metallic Malik pullover. At Acne Studios.

 

Zippers are always a nice touch and they are in this season. Zip detail sweater from COS. 

You can never have too much black denim and Cheap Monday’s “Stockholm” collection for Urban Outfitters UK is a nice addition. 

Stay fit and look menacing in Honja High Tops by Y-3. 

Holiday party, charity gala, cocktails, grocery store. Never know when you’ll need a blazer. By Julius. 

Nice (satin) pants go a long way too. By Acne Studios. 

Versatile side zip boot by COS. 

Leather fingerless gloves by Marc Jacobs. 

Everyone likes hoodies. Why not make yours leather? By Helmut Lang. 

"Give the gift of sexy." Bold trunk by Calvin Klein. 

Accessories & More

Jealous God Slipmats. At ReadyMade. 

New sci-fi with instant classic status. At Amazon. 

Who doesn’t want a machete that looks fit for a Gladiator? Cold Steel Knives. 

Status II by Grey Ant. Never fails. 

For lovers of dark fashion. At Amazon. 

Love the new jewelry collection by Deadwood. All made in Italy. 

You’re nothing if you don’t smell good. Back on the market by Helmut Lang. 

Look good, smell good, be prepared. A new “pocket shotgun” by Heizer. 

Carry your goods in a quality pack. By Cote & Ciel. 

You’re nothing if you can’t make a quality cocktail. Bitter Tears. 

Some say this is the best personal use drone on the market. HD video, GPS, extended flight time. At Amazon. 

Gotta get something for her too. Zana Bayne harness is the right choice. 

These are all ideas, guidelines, examples and inspiration. Have a Brvtal Holiday Season. 

-JRS

CLOG BOOKS

In a world dominated by social media and instant access to information and images, so much of what we consume is either forgotten or not fully appreciated. Art, film, music and architecture is transmitted so fast that often times it’s gone before we can even digest it. Clog Books aims to slow things down. They take topics of artistic interest and craft beautifully in depth studies on the topic, all in a surprisingly small package. Architecture is the common denominator so expect to find books on a wide range of subjects from Rem Koolhaus, to Brutalism to Prisons and even Sci Fi. I just finished Brutalism and it was excellent. From in depth looks at particular structures to cultural references and even some guest articles it was a perfect study on the subject. 

Clog is committed to putting things down on paper, away from distractions of the screen. This obviously isn’t a groundbreaking new idea, but in today’s mostly digital landscape, it’s very refreshing.  I can’t wait to dive deep into other topics. 

For more information click here. 

-JRS

Happy Mix Monday. Loving this mix by Kerri LeBon.

Second Layer “Distortion” (Cherry Red)
Die Form “Instruments” (Bain Total)
Bourbonese Qualk “Head Stop” (Recloose Organisation)
Vereker “Flesh and Blood” (Berceuse Heroique)
Martin Rev “Temptation” (Infidelity)
Silent Servant “Speed and Violence” (Cititrax)
Vazz “Cast Reflections” (Forced Nostalgia)
Violetshaped “The Lord Won’t Forget” (Violet Poison)
Celldöd “Terrorbalans”(Brutal Disciplin)
Damaskin “Contra Theatra” (Unknown Precept)
Palais Des Bauzards “It’s Disgusting (Remix)” (Walhalla)
Veiled “Suicide Herself” (Blind Prophet)

http://insidediscipline.tumblr.com/

Kuboraum Eyewear

Accessories are the one thing that can change your whole look and eyewear is perhaps the most distinguishing because it’s often the first thing people see. If you are looking for something unique, avant garde and almost evil at times, then Kuboraum is the brand to know. “Dreamed” in Berlin and made in Italy, these frames are striking and for the forward thinker. In materials like thick horn, acetate and even precious metals, it’s all in the details. I love the new Julius collaboration that has an inset chain around the frame. Further, the Berlin flagship store is like no other eyewear boutique you’ve ever seen. These are some of the most Brvtal designs out there and they range from raw and industrial to refined and sophisticated. Definitely one to add to your repertoire. 

More info here. Purchase here and here. 

-JRS

Dino Ignani - Dark Portraits Rome 1982-1985

The early 1980’s was a very particular time in the world. The personal computer boom, Reganism and pop music were all shaping the cultural landscape in ways we can still feel today. However, one movement, which was more underground, particularly thrived. Italian fine art photographer, Dino Ignani, refers to this subculture as the “Dark Movement”.  You may know it more as post-punk, new wave, goth and probably a whole host of other labels. No matter how you categorize it, you know when you see it and the movement holds a very special place in all of our hearts. 

"Dark Portraits" is a book of photographs taken in Rome between 1982 and 1985 mainly in clubs and video-bars during musical and theatrical events that the guests attending would refer to as "dark". This is made abundantly clear throughout the book. There are no descriptions or labels but each photograph carries its own story and the candidness of the works are incredible. This is an amazing time capsule of an era long gone, but the culture has proven resilient throughout the years. Whether for nostalgia, inspiration or fashion guidelines, this book holds many purposes. Fans of any "dark" movement will be proud to have it in their collection. 

For more information click here and here. 

-JRS