There’s more to Brand X than being the other band Phil Collins drummed for in the 1970s, allowing scope to express his interest in jazz/rock fusion when he wasn’t active in Genesis or elsewhere, yet that’s possibly how they are still best known.
The founding members of Brand X were Peter Bonas (guitar), John Dillon (drums), Phil Spinelli (percussion/vocals), John Goodsall (guitar), Percy Jones (bass) and Robin Lumley (keyboards). This lineup, playing jazz fusion and influenced by electronic jazz artists such as Miles Davis (especially the Bitches Brew album), Chick Corea, The Mahavishnu Orchestra and Tony Williams, were offered a contract by the adventurous Island Records label. There was a move within the band, spearheaded by Goodsall, Jones, and Lumley, towards greater experimentation, meaning creative tensions arose even before they had released a record.
Across their musical adventure, Brand X recorded nine studio albums (including one comprising outtakes from previous records) and have released seven live albums so far, plus a couple of compilations. Theory of Nothing represents the first fruits of a project to restore and release a raft of tapes found in Robin Lumley’s loft, so there could be more to come – provided, of course, these releases gain commercial support. Listening to the quality on offer here, both in terms of the performance and the recording quality, that support would be well deserved.
The first six studio albums were released between 1976 and 1982, and these are the records with Phil on the drum stool. After a ten year hiatus, they reformed in 1992 to record two new albums. By this point, of course, Collins had become a global megastar both with and without Genesis.
Let’s return to those first couple of years, because Theory of Nothing was recorded on the 1977 Brand X North American tour, and includes pieces from the debut album Unorthodox Behaviour (Smacks of Euphoric Hysteria, Euthenasia Waltz, and Nuclear Burn), the follow-up of less than a year later Moroccan Roll (Disco Suicide, Why Should I Lend You Mine, and Malaga Virgen) and previews three tracks from the then forthcoming Masques (Access to Data, Earth Dance, and Deadly Nightshade), as well as Nightmare Patrol from the first live album Livestock.
We should acknowledge their skill with crafting a song title. Of course, instrumentals can be called anything, but these are, let’s say, progressively imaginative. Later they would get wider. The album Product, for example (the one with singing in places, courtesy of Mr. Collins) features a track called Algon (Where an Ordinary Cup of Drinking Chocolate Costs £8,000,000,000).
Anyway, that was a future adventure. Theory of Nothing once again demonstrates Brand X are a band designed to play live. The quality of the musicianship means they can stay loose, improvise, and still play recognisable versions of the album tracks.
Although this was a relatively early gig in the band’s history, they sound like a fully-formed band. Even at this stage the line-up was fluid, because here Collins, away on his new Genesis front-man duties, is replaced by Kenwood Dennard. This neatly proves the point that Brand X were much more than a vehicle for Phil Collins, because Dennard’s drumming has all the force, subtlety and rhythm Collins would have provided. Given his jazz pedigree and extensive CV that was to be expected. The percussion expert Morris Pert adds to the rhythm section.
Officially part of that section of the band is Percy Jones on bass. ‘Officially’, because his lines are often new melodies in their own right, both driving the track forward and adding to the creative structures of the Brand X signature.
Throughout the lead parts swapped with Goodsall’s guitars and Lumley’s keyboards are clean, lively and often move into unexpected places.
If you’ve even slightly Brand X curious I suggest you dive in. They’ve made some terrific music over the years, and Theory of Nothing sits well alongside their classic live album Livestock. It’s remarkable what can be found in attics and dusted off. Let’s have further releases, please, as promised.
Please note the following, from the official press release:
“This album is being sold exclusively through MoonJune Records with the benediction and supervision of Percy Jones and estates of Robin Lumley and John Goodsall, only in physical format: 2 CDs packaged in a 6-panel e-wallet, and is not currently available through any type of digital distribution. A limited-edition double vinyl release could arrive early next year. Digital downloads and distribution — as requested by Percy Jones — are not currently available. In a world saturated with “too-much-new”, Percy Jones embraces an “old-school” mindset: let’s enjoy the physical format and the pleasure of holding something tangible in our hands.
For the first time, the band’s legal owner and representatives will have the opportunity not only to receive the proceeds directly, but also to be the sole owners of what is rightfully theirs. Brand X is a legendary band that, for some mysterious reason, has never been able to own its own music. We greatly appreciate your support, as the funds raised will also contribute to the potential release of more archival live recordings, exclusively owned by Brand X.”
TRACK LISTING
CD 1
01. Smacks of Euphoric Hysteria (3:10)
02. Disco Suicide (7:42)
03. Access to Data (8:04)
04. Why Should I Lend You Mine When You’ve Broken Yours Off Already? (11:32)
05. Euthanasia Waltz (6:23)
CD 2
01. Malaga Virgen (10:36)
02. Earth Dance (8:02)
03. Deadly Nightshade (13:20)
04. Nuclear Burn (9:50)
05. Nightmare Patrol (8:43)
Total Time – 91:22
MUSICIANS
John Goodsall – Guitars
Percy Jones – Bass
Robin Lumley – Keyboards
Kenwood Dennard – Drums
Morris Pert – Percussion
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: MoonJune Records
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 1st September 2026
LINKS
Brand X – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp (MoonJune Records) | Audio Samples | X | Instagram
