Brand X - "Unorthodox Behaviour"

Brand X
"Unorthodox Behaviour"
Passport Records
Released 1976

Here lies proof that while Phil Collins can't dance, he can play the drums.

Brand X was a fusion side project Collins formed during Genesis's '70s heyday, also featuring guitarist John Goodsall, bassist Percy Jones and keyboardist Robin Lumley. While they never reached the success of groups like Mahavishnu Orchestra or Return to Forever, the group released a handful of instrumental albums before disbanding in the early '80s.

The group's debut, "Unorthodox Behaviour" is an excellent showcase for Collins's intricate drumming, especially on the opening "Nuclear Burn," where the interplay between him and Jones quickly overshadows Goodsall's moody yet also impressive picking, who shows off his chops later on "Smacks of Euphoric Hysteria". Lumley takes the center on "Euthanasia Waltz," both adding atmospherics and tasteful synth solos.

Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of "Unorthodox Behaviour" is that it isn't dominated by one player. The members don't spend any time showing off their chops either, making the result more democratic sounding than fellow fusion bands like Weather Report.

But this laid-back approach to soloing makes the album less dynamic than fellow 'late-'70s-famous-drummer-centered-fusion-band-from-Britain' - Bruford.

Collins would only stick around for two more Brand X albums before Genesis's success and his blossoming solo career would take up his spare time, but his brief tenure with Brand X is a wonderful introduction to his massive talents behind the drumkit.