Artist description Singer-songwriter oriented roots rock'n'roll.

Music Style AAA

Musical Influences Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, Hank Williams, R Crumb

Similar Artists Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Cure, Black Crowes, Modern Lovers, Byrds, Lou Reed

Artist History Asa has toured with Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers as bass player and guitarist throughout Europe, Australia, and the U.S. He's appeared on several Jonathan Richman albums, and also was a founding member of Warner Brothers recording artist Robin Lane and the Chartbusters.

Group Members Asa Brebner: vocals, guitar;Andrew Mazzone: bass, vocals;Allen Devine: guitar, vocals;Andy Plaistead: drums

Albums (1) Prayers of a Snowball in Hell (2) Ragged Religion

Press Reviews Longtime local hero and music world traveler Asa Brebner returns to the scene.This album combines influences frompast bandmates Jonathan Richman and David Knopfler, along with scents of Roger McGuin(inRAGGED RELIGION), Lou Reed(IM IN LOVE)Tom Petty(HOUSE OF CARDS)and Micheal Stipe and Jim Stienman(RUINS)".He also puts aside his young punk ways in favor of straight rock,garage baladry and even some bouncy countrified twang as a means of telling his dozen smartly crafted stories. Always half a step ahead of the scene and away from stardom,Brebner enlists the help of fellow Beantowner Billy Conway(Morphine) and the Cranktones Little Franky and Johnny Sciascia to rage against the schlocky noise of top 40 while ushering in what will hopefully be the return of the cognitive singer/songwriter. Brebner has something to say and does so intelligently..BOSTON GLOBE FEB 11 1999Boston rock vet Asa Brebner(ModernLovers, Robin Lane and the Chartbusters) makes "Ragged Religion" an endearingly rootsy,pop inflected follow up to his1996 solo album" Prayers of a Snowball In Hell" To say that Brebner's torn sheet of a voice is an aquired taste would be an understatement. Yet its a perfect vehicle for the songs of love loss and longing that dominate "Ragged Religion". And its tailor made for the wise guy facet of his songwriting as well But what really succeeds in putting these songs across is Brebners guitar sound,the angriest snarl this side of Richard Thompson,whose skirling style Brebner's playing often recalls. Boston Rock fans and guitar freaks alike will find 'Ragged Religion"a devotional experienceBoston Hereald"Binding songs with lean guitar barbs and vocal lines that skitter in syncopation across ensemble grooves,Asa Brebner's sound attends to limber rythms even as it kindles passions"-Tim Riley, Boston PheonixI got five words for ya;The Guy's a Fuckin' Genius Another maddening case of,"Why isnt this huge?" Damn near every tune here could be a hit and still be cool as hell As with his prior C.D., the even more remarkable"Prayers of a Snowball in Hell",some of the songs resurface from his IDLE HANDS days, considerably cleaned up from the already ample cassette versions. Its straight up, quintessential singer/songwriter stuff where the songs really are greater than the sum of their parts.There's an ache in Brebner's voice that speaks to anyone withhalf a heart and a witty irony in his lyrics that'll jazz anyone with as many brains. The presentation is neither overbearing or underwhelming. Just the right balance of resolve and unease,pride and frustration, bad breaks and survival. You get the picture. I suspect hes one of those guys who will make a fortune selling his tunes to established"world class "stars, but Id rather hear'em come from the horses mouth.Support your local prodigyJoe Coughlin (The Noise)

Location Cambridge, MA - USA

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