About

Who am I and what is Brainache?

I’m Tom E. Gin, a slovenian composer/multi-instrumentalist, archaeologist, and punk rocker. I lead three bands: the punk rock Dildozavri, the gaijin rock DDoS, and the symphonic metal Moonglade, and sometimes I release some solo music as well.

Brainache is a punk review site, focusing on exposing the diamonds in the rough of ramonecore / punk rock / pop punk. When you need a break from your Screeching Weasels, Queers, and the like, Brainache aims to provide you with stuff you’ve probably never heard and will probably like! It was born in 2024 after I’d been collecting these gems for years, often passing the time on bus rides by reviewing them in my mind. And well, one day I decided to write them down.

Where does the name come from?

Brainache comes from one of my favourite Screeching Weasel albums – My Brain Hurts. The ending section of the title track was also my ringtone for many years.

Tom E. Gin (pronounced Tommy Gin) is a bit of a chimera. I’ve always liked names derived from “Tom”, and it’s the name of some pretty epic people, including my father, Tuomas Holopainen, Tom Whitman, Tom Waits, and Tommy Ramone just to name a few. E. is the initial of my actual first name, and Gin, well, I’d like to think that one’s self-explanatory. Buy me one if you spot me out and about, and we’ll be friends!