Beggars Belief

Indianapolis band The Brains Behind Pa has a new studio album with 12 original songs. "Beggars Belief" is the band’s 1st release in over 18 years. The record is the result of what the band is calling 'The Pony Expressions Recording Sessions', which began in April 2019.

Working with engineer and co-producer Tyler Watkins at Postal Recording in Indianapolis, the band got into a productive flow, recording nearly 40 songs. A variety of musical styles were explored. Bill Price, who wrote the songs, explains, “We’d record a few songs and then I’d wonder how this band would sound taking on this other song. So we’d give that a go. It was a lot of fun trying out different styles. We also worked with some black gospel background singers on a few songs. That was amazing”. 13 songs were selected for the 1st of what will ultimately be 13 albums, with the next 2 being released individually over the next couple of years.

The songs on "Beggars Belief" look at the breakdown of morality, basic decency and truth. “In terms of lyrics, this 1st album is pretty cynical. It’s a reflection of the ‘ugliness of man’, as I like to call it”, Price explains. While the album’s mood is dark in places, it’s not without humor. Price says the next 2 albums will be more uplifting and hopeful.

The record falls roughly into the americana and indie rock genres. There are minor key songs with solid and 'greasy grooves', as the band likes to call them, alongside jangling folk rock and rockabilly tinged tracks. Despite the variety of styles explored during the sessions, much of this 1st album has a dark, rich, atmospheric sound. Price says the sound is the result of Watkins’ vision. “I think he really nailed the mood of these songs in his mixes”, Price says.

Price believes Garry Bole’s unique playing style on keyboards, Gordon Bonham’s feel and tone as a guitar player, and Price’s approach to songwriting define 'The Brains’ sound. “We try to leave room for those elements to shine”, Price says. “Consequently, there are a lot of solos on this record”.

The Brains Behind Pa was formed in 2001 when the paths of bluesman Gordon Bonham and songwriter Bill Price crossed. Formed as a side project, The Brains Behind Pa quickly became a trio with the addition of Garry Bole. Those original members along with Jeff Stone on bass formed the core band for the sessions. Several different drummers contributed, as well as a few additional players to add further variety to the sound.