Brayden Mullins – Unfamiliar Writings (Single Review)

Sometimes, all it takes to convey an idea is simply minimalism. It doesn’t take much ornamentation, just the essence of pure intent and the resourcefulness to use your resources to your advantage. You see this concept and intent pretty much brewing when it comes to certain underground music acts, and today’s music act is no different- minimalist, but not lacking in any amount of potency. Meet Brayden Mullins.

Brayden Mullins is a singer and songwriter from Wise County, Virginia. The area birthed artists such as The Stanley Brothers and Jim & Jesse. Mullins also has roots in bluegrass and country music, modeling his compositions after that influence.

Mullins’ love for music is also influenced by artists like Keith Whitley, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and Larry Sparks. These artists paved the way for his musical style. He has a deep passion for expressing honest feelings and thoughts portrayed through storytelling that is aimed toward everyday life for the average person. This would make it so that his songs are pretty much relatable to most people, making it hard to ignore or dislike.

To finish the tapestry of what influences Mullins, he enjoyed exploring the woods with his siblings and figuring out life as it went on. He also has a deep passion for Jesus Christ and attempts to reflect that by sharing stories of times when he was on the other side of the light.

Without any further elaboration, let’s check out his latest single, titled ‘Unfamiliar Writings’.

The song starts off with earnest and hard-hitting strumming from the guitars, before being supplemented by a homely-sounding string instrument, typical of bluegrass and country music. Brayden’s voice has a clean and soulful tone, almost ending in a distant yodel towards the end. His voice remains steady and in tune throughout the phrases he sings, giving a strong direction to the almost minimalist yet stark instrumentation in the background. The notes used are definitely within the minor scale, with the string instrument giving sparks of ornamentation and musical variability to the track.

He sings like a distinct storyteller, taking you through the dark yet real story he unravels within the span of the song. The theme of the song is stylistically dark, but Brayden has a way of drawing you in like an artistic and cinematic take on an unfortunate case. The cadence of the song matches the verses of the song pretty well.

The instruments are mastered quite well, and I quite like Brayden’s voice as an instrument to unravel. You will definitely be glued to the track as it goes on, waiting for the end. I typically prefer more ornate instrumentals, but I completely understand the artistic choices in this particular track: the story has to be told, and the story has to be heard. The quality and EQ’ing of the track is also pretty excellent, with everything panned quite well.

Overall, this was a stark yet great introduction to Brayden Mullins’ artistry. I think the honesty of his artistry will definitely appeal to anyone who chances upon his tracks, regardless of what background in music you hail from. An earnest and distinct storyteller, the draws in the ends of his voice will keep you hanging as if you were reading a novel- just in the form of heartfelt music.

Score/Good: ‘Unfamiliar Writings’ is a captivating track that takes you to the depths of reality with a down-to-earth and distinctly authentic tone. It’s a song that everyone can appreciate, and relate to in one way or another, through the earnestness of the singer’s vocals.

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