Brando

Brando is an indie US band from Bloomington, Indiana, active from 1991 to the present. The group forms around a long-running core built in Bloomington, where it begins in the basement of a house on South Walnut Street and goes through several name changes before settling into a more stable lineup.

Early lineup and development

The band starts in 1991 and initially sees regular turnover among drummers and bassists. By 1993, the core line-up consists of Derek Richey on vocals and guitar, Nathan Bryant on guitar, and Dan Solero on percussion, with a rotating bassist living nearby. The group continues to play live until 1997 with various friends, additions and temporary players.

Its recording approach develops around a 4-track machine, with the band gradually refining an instinctive lo-fi sound. Richey’s recording work becomes central to the group’s output, and the band records together through to 2000.

Recordings and releases

Brando’s recorded material includes a large body of sessions spanning roughly three years and around 200 songs. A 2000 compilation, The Adder, on Smokeylung draws on that period and includes 14 tracks selected for the first album of the same name. Earlier self-released tapes also circulate among friends, including Textiles on Labor, which helps set the tone for later official releases.

The group follows with Peacocks on Linen, also released on Smokeylung in 2000, which presents a clearer sound than earlier work. The Headless Horseman is a Preacher follows in 2001 and brings the band more radio play and wider attention. After a break from live performance, the band reforms for later activity.

In 2002, Brando releases Single Crown Postcard on recordhead / mr. whiggs records. This record leans toward a softer sound with cloudy orchestration. 943 Recluse appears in 2004 and returns to a grittier, more guitar-based style, with Richey collaborating on several songs with Kenny Childers, Whitlock and Touw.

Related names and projects

The name Brando is also used by Marlon Lamont McClain II, an American singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, California. In addition, Brando is described as an Italo Disco project produced by Larry Pignagnoli, Alessandro Zanni and Stefano Cundari, with singles including “Rainy Day”, “He’s Brando” and “What Now My Love”. Another artist using the name, Brandon Lackey, formerly known as The Amazing Brando and a former member of The Adventures of Duane & Brando, also records as Brando and remains active under the name Exit Mindbomb.