Former Members:Matt MillerJonny RichardsonJonathan MayBenjamin HuntJason BradleyAlex BondScott FreemanJames ColeNater KaneAndrew GaubTim HardyBrandon BeaverChris Swinney
1. Brazil was a six-man progressive punk group based in Muncie, Indiana. Brazil's style was at the same time psychedelic and intense in nature, conjuring up delicious imagery of sinister sci-Fi scenery with perhaps a dash of post-modernist philosophy thrown in for extra flavor.
The band was originally called "London". When learning that London had been the name of the first incarnation of Motley Crue, they then changed name to Brazil, staying on a geographic theme (also inspired by from Terry Gilliam's 1985 sci-Fi movie of the same name). Their sci-Fi themes and imagery may also be attributed to this same inspiration.
Brazil was also (for unknown reasons) fond of using French phrases and lines in their lyrics. Jonathan Newby's vocals, which are reminiscent of At The Drive-In/The Mars Volta's Cedric Bixler-Zavala's, often seem to have an unexpected French accent. Tours supporting acts such as Coheed and Cambria, Sparta, MeWithoutYou, Say Anything, Rainier Maria and Forgive Durden solidify the band in the modern rock soundescape.
Brazil has released officially "Dasein" (EP-Fearless Records), "A Hostage and The Meaning of Life" (Fearless Records) and most recently 2006's "The Philosophy of Velocity" on Immortal Records.
The band plan to release a final "post-mortem" ep release of 3 new tracks, 4 reworked versions of older songs and a live track as a digital download this fall titled "Ere I Am J.H." This release will be the flagship release on Newby's homespun label Elefant & Haus.
The final lineup of the band was: Jonathan Newby (vocals, Moog synthesizer, original drummer), Eric Johnson and Aaron Smith (guitars), Nic Newby (keyboards), Phillip Williams (bass), and James Sefchek (drums). The band had at least 8 drummers over time, including Nater Kane and others who were pulled in for tour support.
2. Brazil was an emotive hardcore/punk band from Iowa City that included Matt Davis on vocals/guitars from The Vidablue and Ten Grand.
From Wikipedia:Brazil was an Indiana rock band. Although the band eschews labels and are often categorized with the punk and post-hardcore music scenes, that is mostly due to association. The music itself is more akin to progressive rock with indie rock roots. The line-up as of 2006 release is Jonathon Newby, Nicholas Newby, Aaron Smith, Eric Johnson, James Sefchek, and Philip Williams. They are known for complex song arrangements and intellectual subject matter, and cite influences as diverse as Pink Floyd, Queen, and The Cure. Brazil have released two full length albums and two EPs.