Big Crown Records is proud to present Brainstory's sophomore full-length album
Sounds Good.
Based in L.A. but hailing from the Inland Empire's own Rialto, California,
two-thirds of Brainstory, Kevin and Tony Martin are brothers by blood, while
Eric Hagstrom is a brother through their music and long term friendship. Since
they started the band they have constantly faced situations that forced them to
rise to the occasion. They got signed to Big Crown Records, they stepped up
their game. COVID happened, they learned to record themselves. They started
touring a ton sharing the stage with the likes of Lady Wray and they got their
live show super tight. All of this time spent grinding and growing has certainly
paid off. The path to take their art to the next level is clearer than ever, and once
again, they are here for it. If there is one thing that is abundantly clear on
Sounds Good, it's that Brainstory has leveled up.
Part of this evolution is undoubtedly attributed to having access to and working
constantly in their own studio in Long Beach. Another major factor is that their
brotherhood has expanded. "I've been playing music with my brother all my life
and now with Eric for a long time," Tony tells us. "Leon, though, is like another
brother I've just met."
Leon Michels, Big Crown's co-owner, produced this record and applied his
unmistakable golden touch in crucial ways. The other member of the extended
Brainstory brotherhood whose contributions were essential to the album, is
studio engineer legend Jens Jungkurth who controls the tones and textures of
the music. "That's what you're hearing, our connection, the fun moments, the
little details," Kevin describes. "This record isn't half what it is without
them-and it made us want to match that effort," and match that effort they did.
Album opener "Nobody But You" is an uplifting, dance oor burner, that shows
off a new side of Brainstory's range. Drummer Eric Hagstrom's crushing back
beat lays the foundation for an inspirational feel good banger that manages to
take the uncomfortable truth that "nobody will save you but you" and turn it into
pure blissful motivation. "Peach Optimo" is a laid back half time tune that blends
the bounce of Down South Hip-Hop with California G funk and Jazz. They once
again show off their B said ballad talents with "Gift Of Life" but this time taking
the genre to a new place with lyrics about existentialism and a track that is
drop dead gorgeous, haunting, and profound all at once. "NyNy" is an homage to
Kev and Tony's recently deceased grandfather while "Too Yung" is a show
stopping, deeply personal, stripped down number about being introduced to
alcohol at a young age. They put another hit on the boards with "Hanging On," a
Latin / Psychedelic Soul inspired banger featuring Claire Cottrill on background
vocals while "XFaded" addresses the all too common vicious cycle of smoking
and drinking too much over a trippy shuf e.
