Watch Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero

Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero is a documentary film directed by Eric Mahoney in 2019, that tells the story of the Ohio-based band Brainiac, who were active from 1992 until the untimely death of their lead singer, Tim Taylor, in a car accident in 1997. The documentary features interviews with band members, family and friends, as well as musicians from other bands, who reflect on Brainiac's music and the impact it had on the music scene at the time.

The film is divided into chapters that focus on different aspects of Brainiac's story, starting from their early days in Dayton, Ohio, where they were part of a thriving independent music scene that included bands like Guided by Voices and The Breeders. The documentary explores the band's creative process, their use of unusual instruments and sounds, and their unique style of music that combined elements of punk, new wave, and experimental rock.

One of the key figures in the documentary is Steve Albini, the legendary producer who worked with Brainiac on two of their albums, Bonsai Superstar and Hissing Prigs in Static Couture. Albini provides insightful comments on the band's music and their recording process, and also talks about his personal relationship with Tim Taylor, who he considered a friend.

Another important aspect of the documentary is the focus on Tim Taylor, who is portrayed as a charismatic and enigmatic figure, a natural-born frontman who had a powerful stage presence and an ability to connect with his audience. The documentary includes footage of Brainiac's live performances, which are intense and energetic, and showcase the band's unique sound and style.

In addition to the interviews and archival footage, the documentary also features animations and graphics that add a visual element to the story. These animations are used to illustrate some of the band's songs and to provide context for some of the events that are described in the interviews.

The documentary also explores the aftermath of Tim Taylor's death, and the impact it had on the band members and their families. The film includes interviews with Tom Capodanno, Brainiac's drummer, who talks about his struggles with addiction and depression after Taylor's death, and how he eventually found solace in music again. Melissa Auf der Maur, who played bass in the band Hole and collaborated with Taylor on a side project, shares her memories of Tim and talks about how his death affected her personally.

Fred Armisen, who is a fan of the band, also appears in the documentary, and provides his perspective on Brainiac's music and legacy. Armisen, who is a musician himself and has played in bands like Trenchmouth and the Blue Man Group, talks about how Brainiac influenced his own approach to music, and how their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Overall, Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero is a compelling and moving documentary that sheds light on the life and legacy of one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1990s. The film is a tribute to Tim Taylor and his bandmates, who created music that was ahead of its time and continues to captivate audiences today. The documentary is a must-see for music fans, especially those who are interested in the history of independent music and the evolution of alternative rock.

Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.