Los Angeles-based composer and musician Bryan Lee Brown has just released a new single from his upcoming album American Instrument. Producing under his Dark Brown moniker, this highly anticipated album promises to be a genre-blending experience, featuring an impressive lineup of guest collaborators. The latest single, “Spacetime,” highlights the talents of Brad Wilk, the iconic drummer from Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
Fans can also dive deeper into the making of American Instrument by checking out episode 9 of the Backtrack video series, where Brad Wilk and other collaborators discuss their involvement in the album. The video is available on YouTube.
Earlier this year, Brown released the lead single from the album, titled “Rhythm Surfer.” This track holds special significance as it features one of the final recordings by the legendary guitar pioneer Dick Dale, known for his “Machine Gun Staccato” style. Joining him on this hypnotic track is L7’s guitarist and vocalist Donita Sparks. Watch video.
American Instrument will be available digitally via Memory Bulldozer Records on September 13, Pre-order/Pre-save link
American Instrument is set to be a sprawling, ambitious project both conceptually and sonically. The 18-track album brings together a host of legendary musicians, and its thematic core is a deep exploration of identity and the concept of the “Other.” The album represents the fifth release under the Dark Brown pseudonym, but Brown’s career in music is long and varied. He has contributed to a wide range of projects, including scoring Dave Grohl’s HBO series Sonic Highways and the documentary film What Drives Us. Brown’s extensive background also includes drumming for Dick Dale and numerous sessions as a versatile musician.
The creation of American Instrument was a monumental effort, recorded over 12 years in seven different studios. The album features guest performances from a diverse group of artists, including Dick Dale, John Stanier (Battles, Helmet), Brad Wilk (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave), Alfredo Ortiz (Los Lobos, Beastie Boys), Eric McFadden, Jon Theodore (QOTSA), Donita Sparks (L7), percussionist Marcus Joyner, Dave Catching (Desert Sessions), and Jose Medeles (The Breeders, Author), among others. This drum-heavy lineup highlights Brown’s deep connection to percussion and the musicians who have influenced his journey.
Slated for release in Fall 2024, American Instrument is poised to be a landmark in Brown’s discography. The album fuses abstract minimalism with melodic psychedelia, creating expansive soundscapes filled with Brown’s signature elements—melodic percussion, droning guitars, tremolo, and driving rhythms. Each guest musician brings a unique flavor to the tracks, from Dick Dale’s fiery guitar work on two tracks to Brad Wilk’s thunderous drumming on “Spacetime.” The album is a testament to the power of rhythm and the enduring legacy of the drum set as a uniquely American instrument, exploring its impact on music and culture.
