The release last month of The Brat’s long lost recordings on a 21 track disc titled “Straight Outta East L.A.” caught many by surprise. Yet the attention the disc has rightfully garnered may lead to an excellent consequence: a reunion of the original ’80s lineup of this acclaimed quintet.
The Brat was founded in 1977 by vocalist Teresa Covarrubias, guitarists Rudy Medina and Sidney Medina (who are uncle and nephew) along with drummer Robert Soto and bassist Luis Soto (who are brothers). With their catchy, aggressive tunes and pop sensibilities, the group became a powerful voice in the L.A. punk scene, gaining even more popularity after the release in 1980 of the five song EP “Attitudes” on Fatima Records.
In a phone call today with founding member and drummer Robert Soto, I learned that such a reunion is within the realm of possibility, at least from his point of view. “I would love for The Brat to get back together,” he says. “It would be very exciting.”
As all of the original members of The Brat are still around, it would be a reunion in the truest sense of the word. Soto reminisces: “We were around back in those days during that time. The Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, a lot of the New York musicians were going on. The L.A. scene was happening with Black Flag, The Gears, X, The Plugz, I could go on — The Germs.”[pullquote]“She came down and everything just clicked,” Soto says. “I mean it was just like ‘Wow,’ you know? The feeling was there. The vibes, the chemistry. It was all there.” The Brat drummer Robert Soto, about Teresa Covarrubias. [/pullquote]
The group got started at the same time Soto and his bassist brother Luis were the rhythm section of a popular band, Stone Free. Soto explains: “So we had this gig at Montebello, that’s how I met Rudy. Rudy was also playing that evening, at a party — and it turns out that his drummer got blastered, and could not play. I mean this guy was out. Rudy came up and asked me ‘Hey man, can you sit in with us?’ We just jammed the songs out.”
After the fateful gig, the two exchanged phone numbers; Robert mentioned that his bass playing brother was available and suggested that they get something together. “Luis came over a few times,” Soto explains, “and we jammed, and we started making songs. I believe back in those days, Teresa was Rudy’s girlfriend, and Rudy says ‘Hey, I know this girl and she sings okay’ and I said ‘well bring her down.’”
“She came down and everything just clicked,” Soto says. “I mean it was just like ‘Wow,’ you know? The feeling was there. The vibes, the chemistry. It was all there.”
However, just as the band was gaining attention from the likes of Doors keyboardist and X producer Ray Manzarek and The Knack manager Scott Anderson, differences of opinion about the band’s direction made it impossible for the group to continue.
Time heals all wounds. With the release of the powerful new album and the mention of The Brat and their tune “Swift Moves” in Celia Perez’ new book for young readers, “The First Rule of Punk”, a Brat reunion sounds like a very timely idea. Soto’s opinion is straightforward: He says he would like to start something up and invite other members to join in the collaboration, to “get together, get some material down.” In the meantime, check out “Straight Outta East L.A.” It’s a powerful set, sounding as fresh as it might have in the 80s had it been released then.
finis
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