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Exaggerations & Contradictions - Carl Bradychok 















Album: Lies, Exaggerations & Contradictions 

Artist: Carl Bradychok 

Released Date: 01/10/2024 

Record Label: Carl Bradychock 

Reviewed Date: 31/10/2024 

 

From the streets of a small town in Michigan - Carl Bradychok plays a style of music equally inspired by the likes of Eddie Chochran and Carl Perkins as well as bands like the Ramones and Green Day. Lies, Exaggerations & Contradictions is Carl’s first record as a songwriter and features 10 original tracks all written by Carl; it was recorded at Rooftop Recording Studios in Michigan.  

  

Hanging On 

Hanging On is a track that mixes spaghetti western style country licks with pop-laden choruses that display a powerful mastery of a thick-sounding Gretsch guitar as well as catchy vocal hooks. The backbeat is a fast-paced rhythm that would have the man in black himself tapping his toes. 

 

Styleline Deluxe 

Styleline Deluxe is Rock ‘N Roll how it was meant to be! It’s full of Chuck Berry style guitar riffs, relentless rhythm, driving bass lines and lyrics about driving fast in nice cars. Pure, relentless rocking. 

 

Throw Away 

Throw Away evokes a different side of the record. It starts off pure honky-tonk country, with a twang that makes you want crack a bottle and start moving. The guitar work in this one is especially impressive and showcases Carl’s ability to effortlessly pick smooth licks at manic speed. 

 

Memory 

Memory is a slower number that has a much more Searchers feel to it. It’s a classic Country Pop song complete with tremolo guitar and vocal harmonies. 

 

Heartbreak Comes in Twos 

Heartbreak Comes in Twos is the most ‘Billie Joe Armstrong’ song on the record, full of earworms, catchy hooks and pop-punk instrumentation it somehow mixes rockabilly guitar with modern sounding pop rock and I’m here for it. 

 

You’re Not the One 

You’re Not the One has an instant singalong chorus that hits straight away. Lyrically it’s honest, raw and Elvis inspired. I can see this being a live favorite. 

 

The Real World (Ain’t No Place To Be) 

The Real World (Ain’t No Place To Be) is a slower ballad reminiscent of some of the beat from the 50’s. You can tell Carl cut his teeth touring with the Elvis tribute - This one has some beautiful Scotty More inspired playing. 

 

Finally 

Finally speeds everything back up with a real rockabilly vibe. Fast-paced 12 bars with loud drums, boogie-woogie keys and gang vocals this one is a proper rocker - Setzer would be proud. 

 

Time Stood Still 

Time Stood Still showcases some tasteful songwriting techniques and simple melodies. The song tells a story like great country songs do with killer lyrics such as; “Turned sixteen I had my car, Buik sedan with battle scars” 

 

End Of The World Again 

End of the World Again is something of a callback to the last track on Carl’s 2015 record ‘End of the World’ which was a punk rocked version of the Skeeter Davis tune from the early 60’s. This is the most Ramones track on the record and is a bit hitter with commercial appeal as well as punk energy. 

 

In summary, this record is a triumph of both songwriting and playing. A mix of classic country, rockabilly and punk there’s something in here for everyone and a bright future for Carl Bradychok. 

 

 

Reviewed By Ben Martin - Blues Guitar Show 

 

Track List 

 

Styleline Deluxe 

Throw Away 

Memory 

Heartbreak Comes in Twos 

You’re Not the One 

The Real World (Ain’t No Place To Be) 

Finally 

Time Stood Still 

End Of The World Again 

 

 

 

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