There's something profoundly captivating about Carter Brady's Shopping Cart. From the first crackling chords of "We're Talking" to the album's contemplative closer, "How Come It Happens?", Brady delivers a seamless collection of rock tracks that span thirty years of musical evolution, blending influences from the 90s alternative wave with today's American indie pop.
Brady meticulously crafted each track. Bright, punchy guitars star in "Grocery Store". An echoing melancholia floats under "Invincible". The album traverses a broad emotional and sonic landscape.
The album's lead single, "We're Talking", is a dynamic introduction. Brady wastes no time pulling listeners into his world with guitar lines that dance between gritty and ethereal. The track's rhythm and energy provide a foundation for his powerful vocals, a kind of raspy warmth that invites listeners into the story he's telling. His introspection skillfully articulates a search for meaning—within both the song and himself.
Almost as a counter, "Late Night Temptations" is an upbeat, psychedelic-inspired track that reflects the rush and regret of youth. Brady's vocal delivery here is evocative, as he sings about "making it all for fun" while being haunted by the "old days" he'd rather forget. It's an anthem for those moments where the world feels both expansive and suffocating.
There's also a grounded, vulnerable quality in "Lost In This World" from his almost post-punk timbre. With a driving bassline reminiscent of Radiohead's The Bends, the song feels like a personal admission and a collective anthem for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider.
Brady's rock roots shine in "Suppressed" where gritty distortion gives way to a raw, yet precise emotional crescendo. Brady's instrumental skill and ability to tap into the listener's emotions offers a cathartic, big rock anthem.
Again, in a study of contrast, "Invincible" offers one of the album's most vulnerable moments. With bare guitars and an emotional vocal delivery, Brady sings, "You know I feel invincible," imbuing the line with both irony and sincerity. The song's soulful quality is amplified by cellist Lori Goldston, who toured with Nirvana during their In Utero era.
At every turn, Brady's multi-instrumental talent is evident, seamlessly blending intricate guitar solos with bold drum patterns. Shopping Cart refuses to sit quietly, waiting for another artist. It's a powerful, DIY-inspired statement that captures rock's enduring spirit with modern sensibilities. Shopping Cart is well worth the ride.
Stream Shopping Cart below.
Ben is an advertising Madman who spends his days with words and music. When he's not writing for his supper, he's eating it at some of NYC's most interesting restaurants.
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