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This queer-fronted, brass-blasting ska-punk band from Vancouver is flipping every dusty stereotype on its head. With roots in the beloved local band The Brass Action, and members from Kownterpoint, Brasser isn’t only keeping the ska flame alive. They’re blowtorching it with trumpet valves and screaming it through a punk megaphone.
Brasser is the sonic equivalent of a glitter bomb thrown into a punk mosh pit. They’ve got saxophones. They’ve got sultry trumpets. They’ve got sweat-dripping-from-the-ceiling energy and dance floors that turn into cardio workouts.
But most importantly, Brasser is fun.
Their sound fuses the rowdy bounce of traditional ska with the edge and aggression of punk rock.
Seen them live? Then you already know. Haven’t? Fix that.
Brasser has shared the stage with legends like Fishbone and ska-sweethearts Bite Me Bambi, but they’re just as likely to be found packing out DIY venues in East Van or turning a humble brunch into a full-blown punk revival (see: Punk Brunch at LanaLou’s. Yes, that’s a real thing).
Their recent show at The Pearl in Vancouver was a brass-fueled riot in the best way, leaving first-timers converted and regulars sweaty and euphoric.
In September 2024, Brasser dropped Ruidoso. It’s a ferocious, genre-melding gem available now on Bandcamp. The record is packed with everything from grungy breakdowns to blaring horn sections, proving they’re not only party-starters but songwriters as well. Each track is an anthem for the misfits, the music nerds, the ska skeptics, and the punk purists alike.
At the heart of Brasser is something much bigger than music. They bring queer joy, rage, and visibility to a genre that’s often overlooked and underloved. Their sets are safe spaces wrapped in distortion and horn solos. They’re welcoming, loud, sweaty, and unapologetically inclusive.
They’re reclaiming and reinventing ska-punk.
TLDR: Why You Should Know Brasser
- Because they make ska-punk sexy again.
- Because the trumpet player might melt your face off.
- Because their album Ruidoso slaps.
- Because DIY shows need more glitter and more chaos.
- Because you deserve joy, and Brasser delivers it loud.
Follow them on Instagram @brasserska, listen to Ruidoso, and go see them live.
Trust me. You want to be that person who knew about Brasser before the world caught on.
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca