by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Following a half decade playing in shoegaze band Coaches and a slew of engineering credits that include Infinity Girl, Matt Bachmann, and work on the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack, Brady Custis is ready to step out on his own. His latest project, fittingly called Brady Only, is a somber solo affair, blending his musical roots into a more traditional folk and singer/songwriter sound. After releasing last year’s “State Fair Shakespeare b/w Blue Eyes” single, he spent some time recording his debut album, Dog Year Hum, due out next year. The self-released album is being shared one track at a time, with lead single “Taking The Hint” released last earlier this month, a warm contemplative song that mixes acoustic folk elements with colorful textures and sharp production.
“Room Key” is our second preview of the upcoming record, a song that takes more of a barebones approach to Brady Only’s brand of indie folk. Even with the stark arrangement, there’s a noticeable radiance to the recording, with acoustic leads and electric guitars for accent, the entire thing has a tape-y sound but with pristine clarity. Channeling Elliott Smith as a major influence, there’s a lot of nuance to Custis’ arrangements, and his past years of making shoegaze play a subtle roll in the song’s construction. At the core though lies the vocals, soft and gentle but immediately affecting. “Room Key” is a welcome invitation into a new bummed out glow.