Perth-based guitarist Clay Brown has recently shared his latest single, 'All My Friends (Atrophy)', a track that tenderly explores the vital role of friends during life's most challenging moments. Released in April this year, this song marks a significant milestone as it's the first recording featuring his newly formed backing band, Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town.
Continuing to build on his signature alternative folk rock sound, reminiscent of artists such as City & Colour, Noah Kahan, and Jackson Browne, 'All My Friends (Atrophy)' finds Brown diving headfirst into deeply human moments. The recording process for the single spanned two continents, being laid down partly at London's Soho Sonic Studios in the UK and partly from Brown's home setup in Perth, Western Australia.
Joined by The Trouble Round Town, Clay delivers a genuinely heartfelt piece that resonates immediately. The song acts as an earnest acknowledgement of those crucial friends who remain steadfast when times get tough. It’s a ballad that connects directly to your emotions without needing any unnecessary ornamentation, its strength lying in its directness and sincere feeling.
Musically, the track embraces simplicity and makes it shine. Clay’s guitar work features relaxed strumming alongside light, tasteful solos that perfectly underpin the song's emotional core. There’s no attempt at flashy playing, just a clear understanding of how to let the melody lead. The subtle tremolo guitar effect in the chorus adds a delicate layer, hinting at life's inherent fragility and creating a thoughtful, reflective mood. Brown's vocal delivery is straightforward and warm, carrying a natural approachability that enhances the sense of camaraderie in the lyrics.
The Trouble Round Town provide a cohesive musical backdrop, supporting the vocals without overshadowing them. The track's ability to connect on a personal level is one of its most striking features – it’s a gentle reminder of the rare individuals who stand by us. By sticking to these core elements and executing them with honesty, warmth, and genuine humanity, 'All My Friends (Atrophy)' truly stands out.
For a decade before this solo venture, Clay Brown was a respected figure in Perth's vibrant music scene, known for his guitar versatility. His history includes indie shoegaze with The Limbs, lead duties in The Silent Deeds, the grunge sounds of Filth Wizard, and ongoing involvement with jazz fusion band King Proteus and heavy stoner rock outfit MAGE. Venturing solo, he pivots to folk blues poetry-driven 'sob rock', weaving intimate stories into catchy melodies and rhythms. To bring this new direction to life, he's assembled The Trouble Round Town featuring Jess June on drums (from The Tommyhawks and Filth Wizard), Zoe Gol on bass (from Single Cell Sharks), and Michael Menna on lead guitar (from Art of Dysfunction).
'All My Friends (Atrophy)' follows a double single release in late 2024 ('Traffic Signs' / 'Homesick Blues') and is one of two new singles planned for early 2025, building anticipation for Clay Brown's debut EP expected towards the end of the year. Fans can also catch Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town performing at several upcoming shows across Western Australia.
You can connect with Clay Brown today on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
