Bored by the non-elastic cardboard cutout over-programmed mainstream and determined to create a funky new sound, Plasmatic Brain Spasm guitarist/vocalist Ryan Branstner and bassist Shawn “Lawnmower” Bachinski, convinced their girlfriends Red Shepard and Pepper Engstrom to join the group. The blues infused rock/pop vocal talents of Pepper and Red, combined with the dirty funk grooves of Ryan and Shawn, proved to be white-hot as Plasmatic Brain Spasm, armed with a sit-in drummer, churned and burned through sets at several Twin Cities-area clubs. Ahh…but the puzzle wasn’t complete until by the grace of cosmic connectivity, Plasmatic Brain Spasm, gained the clockwork-precision-booty-moving-thump of Aaron Bellamy to make the groove move…and from the alley of the inner mind to the furthest star, the future sound was realized.

As youngsters, Plasmatic found solace in their musical endeavors. Red and Pepper were trained in musical theatre and subsequently learned singing and showmanship simultaneously. Lawnmower grew up in a musical household and was introduced to music at a very young age. He formed his first originals-only band when he was 14 and since then he’s always rockin’. Ryan also began playing and writing in his youth. He combined years of playing music with a music production and engineering degree from MusicTech of Minneapolis. Ryan recorded his first full-length album while in the studios of MusicTech in 1998. Aaron cut his teeth drumming around town and was a founding member of Twin Cities favorites, Soul Reaction and Tribe of Millions. He also layed down his grooves with Sound Imperium, Rocksteady Band, Shangoya, The Poetry, Backbeat, Jerry Hubbard, Blacklight, Brave New World and George Scott Trio.

As Plasmatic Brain Spasm, Aaron, Pepper, Red, Shawn and Ryan are music geeks poised for greatness. With the self-titled album, Plasmatic makes a bodacious musical statement that proves there’s nothing tighter than family. Together, Plasmatic sculpts their own reality complete with ‘psychedelic blues, hip hop, Funkadelia, futuristic concept, slick 80’s Minneapolis synth-funk grooves, real drums, spaced reggae, and a dose of strong ambient-like vocalization.’ The subject matter of the songs is often varied, touching on subjects ranging from the dance floor to the state of world politics, and then from the cubicle riddled rat race day mare into the alley of the inner mind. Plasmatic Brain Spasm hits the listener from all angles as they slam through 10 tracks that segue way into one another so the music never stops. The rock solid rhythm section of Bachinski and Bellamy create a vibrant foundation for Branstner to stand on as he expertly casts some 6-string magic that is completely original, and at times eerily reminiscent of Eddie Hazel or Jimi Hendrix. The girls add their flavor to the mix as well. Pepper sails on and hits the highest highs with her operatic-like soprano/alto while Red is a perfect compliment belting it out in her soulful alto/tenor that reminds one of jazz singers long past.

Simply stated, Plasmatic Brain Spasm has it all, multi-gendered vocals, tough rhythm section, off the chain guitar, plenty of interesting subject matter, masterful performers and originality with no end. Plasmatic is the cumulative effect of Ryan, Shawn, Red, Pepper, and Aaron comin’ together for the future sound. The debut album is an inspired work that encapsulates songwriting, musicianship and production into an equation for an enlightened musical Experience. Plasmatic Brain Spasm fearlessly dares to tell music lovers of all ages that, ‘if you trip upon a star you’ll find, funk is where the heart is at.’ Now listen y’all, the door is wide open for you to come inside and take a ride, straight from the alley of the inner mind…ALL ABOARD!!!