Formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1992 the noise rock band, Brainiac (also stylized as 3RA1N1AC,) made waves in the alternative scene with the quartet’s chaotic sound and the incorporation of the Moog synthesizer by frontman Tim Taylor. Their debut album Smack Bunny Baby is a frenetic and innovative album that encapsulates the experimental spirit of the 1990s alternative rock scene. Released in 1993, this record showcases Brainiac’s unique blend of punk, post-punk, and electronic elements, creating a sound that is both chaotic and strangely compelling. Before disbanding in 1997 due to Taylor’s sudden death in a car accident, Brainiac released three LPs and opened for iconic 90’s alt-rock bands like Beck, The Breeders, and the Jesus Lizard. Aside from a limited release in 2018, Smack Bunny Baby has been long out of print in physical form. For the album’s 30th anniversary, Craft Recordings is reissuing the cult classic on LP and digital formats.
The album kicks off with the explosive “I, Fuzzbot,” setting the tone for the rest of the journey. Tim Taylor’s distinctive vocals, a fusion of angst and urgency, cut through the dissonant guitars and synthesizers, creating a sonic landscape that is both abrasive and hypnotic. The production, spearheaded by Eli Janney, contributes to the album’s raw and gritty aesthetic, amplifying the intensity of each track. Some of the standout tracks, “Draag” and “Cultural Zero,” exemplify Brainiac’s ability to merge seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive sonic experience. The song’s jagged rhythms, distorted guitars, and electronic embellishments coalesce into a pulsating energy that keeps listeners on the edge throughout. Though she would leave the band shortly after the release of Smack Bunny Baby, founding guitarist Michelle Bodine contributes vocals on “Martian Dance Invasion” as well as providing seething guitar work throughout the album. Previously only available as a vinyl track, “Velveteen Freak Scene” is included on both the vinyl and digital release for the first time. The song features a recording of a little girl talking before the fast-paced, punky vibes kick in and take the listener on headbanging journey as Taylor screams out vocals that Jack White seemed to later mimic on faster White Stripe songs. Smack Bunny Baby also features moments of experimentation, such as the incorporation of unconventional instruments and production techniques. The use of drum machines, samples, and synthesizers adds layers of complexity to the music, pushing the boundaries of traditional rock and giving the album a forward-thinking and avant-garde edge.
While Smack Bunny Baby may not have achieved mainstream success during its initial release, its influence on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable. Brainiac’s willingness to push musical boundaries and embrace a sonic palette outside of conventional norms paved the way for the experimental rock movements that would follow. Smack Bunny Baby stands as a testament to Brainiac’s creativity and willingness to explore the outer realms of music. Its dissonant beauty, unconventional arrangements, and unapologetic intensity make it a noteworthy piece in the alternative rock canon, appreciated by those who seek out music that challenges the status quo.