New generations of musicians in recent years are seeking a balance between respecting rock music traditions and striving for experimentation. Some of them boldly draw inspiration from the past, adapting it to the realities of today, while others find ways to blend numerous genres and styles, creating something unique. One of these artists is indie musician from New York, Carter Brady, whose work is filled with the spirit of the ’90s and the influence of many rock genres. Brady, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and performer, grew up in the New York suburb of Pelham and has written and recorded more than 50 songs over the past couple of years.
From this large collection, he selected 13 tracks that became the foundation of the album “Shopping Cart.” In this project, he seems to sum up all the changes in rock music over the past three decades. The songs included in the album feature recognizable melodies, catchy hooks, and vivid guitar solos. Besides performing vocal parts, Carter recorded almost all the instruments himself, occasionally involving his team – talented musicians Sammy Wags and Michael Iaciofano, with guitarist Ryan Datino contributing heavily to the band’s live performances through his technically brilliant extended solos and colorful lead fills. These guys, with a strong background in jazz and jam band styles, bring an improvisational spirit to both the overall sound of the album and the live show setting.
Photo by @alexajaephoto
I’d like to share my thoughts on some of the tracks. The opening “We’re Talking” grabs attention with its energy and melodicism. Bold guitar riffs and well-crafted drum work revive the intricate rock vibe of the classic ’90s with a fresh, creative, and technically refined approach. The vocals don’t get lost behind the riffs and active rhythm section, instead, they blend harmoniously, enhancing the emotions and meaning of the lyrics.
“Grocery Store,” which charms with its playful, danceable atmosphere, its enticing rhythm seemingly masked under the everyday. The guitar solos add texture, they’re sharp, slightly rough, but not overbearing. And the percussion creates an invisible line, a rhythm that makes you start moving unconsciously – even if you’re holding a shopping basket. “Grocery Store” is ironic, reminding us that even among cans of soup and boxes of cereal, there’s a chance to feel like the hero of a small yet vivid life episode.
The melodies on the album draw inspiration from a wide spectrum of rock sounds, with songs that would fit perfectly into a ‘90s rock star’s tracklist. “So Late” is one of the tracks on the album with something delightfully rebellious about it. It feels like stumbling upon an old, dusty, yet irresistibly alluring mixtape left behind by a former love. This track is like a sweet promise made in the pre-dawn haze: tinged with a touch of melancholy and, of course, steeped in the flavor of rock.
Listening to “So Late,” it’s easy to picture a party somewhere in a semi-basement studio – where people wear slightly worn leather jackets and the air is filled with the scent of cigarettes and, oddly enough, freedom. “So Late” takes all the best from rock sound: a velvety, enticing guitar solo that begs for a second or two of attention, and vocals that hold a shadow of unresolved melancholy.
Photo by @alexajaephoto
The tracks “The Record’s Right” and “Invincible” are also intriguing. In “The Record’s Right,” I like the slow, swinging rock rhythm, groovy guitars, and Brady’s excellent lyrics. Meanwhile, “Invincible” takes on a more dramatic tone, a soft rock ballad that reveals the full instrumental and vocal potential of Carter Brady, who plays all the guitars, bass, drums, mellotron synths, and even mandolin for a unique color texture. The recording of “Invincible” also features Lori Goldston, who played cello on Nirvana’s In Utero tour.
Expansive solos and massive drums are particularly expressive in tracks “See You In My Free Head” and the final “How Come It Happens?” In “See You In My Free Head,” the melancholic and contemplative mood is highlighted by the slow and almost airy vocals. The melody stretches over rock riffs and a dense drum rhythm. The closing track, “How Come It Happens?” amplifies the album’s epic feel with lush vocal harmonies, vibrant drums, and groovy rock guitars, all done by Brady himself. There are many interesting details here: there’s something bass-heavy and darkly brooding, as well as delicate tonal subtleties-yet everything is distinct, each part fitting into its corner of attention.
Carter Brady is a rare independent artist with drive and determination, and his “Shopping Cart” is a flawless rock album from start to finish. It proves that it’s possible to create a fresh yet familiar original style that stands out as exceptional in today’s music scene.
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