Welcome to Breakdown, an unofficial resource and discussion list about the innovative guitarist/producer Michael Brook. This site is infrequently updated, but contains a great deal of background info which will remain online. For up-to-date news and information, visit Michael Brook's official site and MySpace page.

Live at the Aquarium review
from Q Magazine, 1992
by Robert Renton
[archived here without permission]

This CD-only limited edition of 5,000 offers 37 minutes of music at mid-price and inaugurates 4AD's new series of temporary releases. First up is ambient minimalist guitarist Michael Brook, performing seven pieces (most of which appeared on Cobalt Blue earlier this year) which thoroughly live up to the dubious promise of titles like Ultramarine and Cascade. Brooks relatively famous infinite guitar (as used by The Edge) fades in and out of sequencer-made backdrops with such polite discretion that one almost comes to miss the sound of an audience. There are moments when the pleasing rhythms and careful layering promise more, but ultimately it's all a touch too harmless.

rating: 2