Carter Brady’s album “Shopping Cart” brings a refreshing and multi-layered twist to the modern rock scene, blending 90s alt-rock nostalgia with elements from three decades of rock music. Growing up in Pelham, New York, right outside New York City, Brady has long been a part of the rich musical ecosystem of the area. A multi-instrumentalist and gifted songwriter, Brady took on the ambitious task of writing and recording over 50 songs between late 2021 and 2023. He whittled them down to the 13 finest tracks, which have found their place on “Shopping Cart” — a rock record brimming with influences and inventive approaches that breathe new life into the classic genre.
The lead track, “We’re Talking,” is emblematic of the album’s potent mix of big guitars, powerful drumlines, and catchy, tuneful songwriting. Brady’s raspy, soulful vocals give the song a grounded feel, yet its energy propels listeners right into the lively soundscape that unfolds across the album. As the opener, it sets the stage for a musical journey that nods to iconic bands from the ’90s while venturing into newer territory. Brady doesn’t just emulate the sound of past decades; he reinvents it, filtering classic rock influences through a modern indie lens. The variety is striking, with songs that recall Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and Weezer. Tracks like “Instead” exude a kind of raw energy that speaks to Brady’s ability to fuse past inspirations with a contemporary edge, giving his songs the familiarity of classic rock hits while delivering something wholly his own.
Beyond nostalgia, “Shopping Cart” reflects Brady’s skill in blending influences. “So Late,” “The Record’s Right,” and “See You In My Free Head” evoke the melodic rock harmonies of Oasis, while other songs, like “Lost In This World” and the epic closer, “How Come It Happens?,” channel the atmospheric, layered sound of Radiohead’s The Bends. Brady has a knack for capturing specific vibes across his tracks, enabling listeners to feel like they’re reliving some of rock’s best eras while also being introduced to fresh and inventive musical arrangements. “Suppressed,” one of the songs in which Brady plays all the instruments, highlights his exceptional lead guitar work. The song’s classic rock feel, punctuated by the same Big Muff guitar pedal used by Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan on Siamese Dream, adds a familiar, gritty depth to the track that speaks to Brady’s attention to sonic detail.
There’s also a whimsical, psychedelic flair on tracks like “Late Night Temptations,” which veers into a modern, Tame Impala-inspired soundscape. The mix of influences never feels jarring but rather comes across as intentional and meticulously crafted, with each track contributing to the album’s cohesiveness. Brady brings in more contemporary vibes as well, drawing inspiration from bands like Cage the Elephant and The Strokes, evident in the dynamic “Grocery Store,” which merges gritty guitar work with an indie pop-rock sensibility. The album feels like a trip through a well-curated playlist that could play equally well in an old-school record store or on a modern streaming platform, appealing to both classic rock fans and newer listeners.
“Shopping Cart” isn’t just a solo project in the studio. Brady’s live performances with his band—comprising jazz and jam band musicians Sammy Wags, Michael Iaciofano, and Ryan Datino—add a unique twist to the songs, bringing an improvisational, high-energy dimension to his live shows at iconic New York City venues like Mercury Lounge. Brady’s independence as an artist shines through, with him writing and recording most of the instruments on the album, even enlisting the help of his younger siblings for backing vocals on some tracks. His focus on creating a cohesive yet diverse album extends to his commitment to visual storytelling, producing music videos for every song on the record. This visual and sonic dedication adds an extra layer to the album’s artistry, making “Shopping Cart” a full-fledged multimedia experience that speaks to Brady’s creative vision.
The album has already garnered critical acclaim, especially within the college and independent music circuits. “Shopping Cart” has made it onto notable charts, including AAA and Americana stations, the College Radio Charts (peaking at #93), and Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Charts, where it held positions across several categories. Additionally, standout tracks such as “Invincible,” “We’re Talking,” and “Go Home” have earned accolades in Song of the Year’s 2024 Song & Lyric Writing Competition, with each being recognized as a top finalist in the rock category.
Brady’s dedication to crafting a high-quality, genre-blending rock album in a predominantly indie landscape marks him as a unique artist in today’s music scene. Drawing on influences ranging from Foo Fighters to The Strokes to more recent acts like Soccer Mommy and Momma, “Shopping Cart” demonstrates that there is still fresh ground to cover in rock music. Brady’s approach isn’t confined to imitation; instead, he creates a carefully honed synthesis that’s both reverent and innovative. His gained respect from industry veterans like former Foo Fighters Franz Stahl and William Goldsmith (also famous for being Sunny Day Real Estate’s drummer who Carter now takes lessons from) and collaborations with Spin Doctors’ Mark White, Lori Goldston (Nirvana’s touring cellist during the In Utero era), and others, underscore his dedication to authenticity and musicianship.
At its core, “Shopping Cart” is a tribute to the timeless appeal of rock music, a genre that Brady reimagines through the lens of modern production and a sincere passion for songwriting. Brady’s knack for creating catchy hooks and intricate guitar riffs ensures that each track leaves a lasting impact. He balances introspective lyrics with energizing instrumentals, making “Shopping Cart” feel both deeply personal and universally accessible. Carter Brady’s journey as an unsigned indie artist crafting such a well-rounded rock album is a testament to his artistry and commitment to music, making “Shopping Cart” a must-listen for anyone seeking both nostalgia and novelty in today’s rock scene.
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