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.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlbradychok
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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