Brian Hadley, with his album “Cryptograms” in the midst of a creative resurgence, clearly decided to play with his audience a bit, aiming to take them by surprise. Under the banner of his project Mayday 13, he skillfully transitions from covering songs to creating a unique sound, a logical step for a musician with such ambitions. His musical soul shines through in these 11 tracks, and it truly shows.

photo by Anthony Jacobsen

Interestingly, “Cryptograms” seems to decipher the puzzles of Brian’s previous experiences, filtering them through the prism of modern alternative rock. Not losing sight of classic 90s influences, the album also spans lighter, almost airy ballads and sharp, energetic pop-rock bangers. From one track to the next, listeners are immersed in an atmosphere that subtly but confidently changes, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Brian as a musician.

Hadley’s approach to creating “Cryptograms” reminds me of cinema—each song is like a separate scene, developing the album’s overall theme. Despite the obvious references to the past, each track sounds fresh and relevant. This proves that Mayday 13 is on trend and contributes to the genre with a diversity of sounds.

Speaking of maturity in music, Brian Hadley with the album “Cryptograms” has clearly reached a new stage in his career. Not every artist manages to combine innovation with respect for tradition as organically as Mayday 13 seems to have done. The album is perfect both for long-time Hadley fans and those who are about to explore his work for the first time.

The album starts with “So Cutthroat,” executed with an excellent vibe of alt rock. In this track, Mayday 13 follows a classic sound while infusing it with his unique style. Meanwhile, “You Were Right” is dominated by darker tones. It’s a sensuous rock ballad supported by resonant bass, powerful electric guitar riffs, and romantic vocals. I like how “This Pulse” starts with a groovy electric guitar sound, as if gearing up for a grand show, making it perfect for rock festival performances. With its bright cymbals and deliberate vocals, “This Pulse” showcases Mayday 13’s mastery of sound. Brian’s vivid vocals with echo sound very natural, blurring the boundaries and allowing one to completely immerse in the sound.

In the track “The Desert,” there’s a kind of turning point in “Cryptograms.” Synthesizer pads and an enthralling swirl of sound fill the audio space, almost completely blurring the boundaries of grunge rock. The slow development of the track and its misty sound shift the atmosphere, introducing more commercial elements. I particularly like how the vocals effectively dive into electronic processing, breaking down into textured layers.

photo by Anthony Jacobsen

Following this, in “From Here on In,” the rustling of pads and gentle keyboard instruments continue to create a hypnotic atmosphere, radically changing the first part of the album. It’s an exceedingly tender song that could be the perfect companion for the most touching moments.

With the onset of “Submarine,” the dynamism returns. The experimental structure and vivid vocals with expansive processing invite us to sway to the beat. It’s hard to resist the compelling energy of “Submarine,” which challenges all conventional genres and styles, creating a wholly unique experience.

The album concludes with the tracks “The Moonlight” and “Rest (Fall Away),” forming a memorable climax. I like how in “The Moonlight,” a sensuous acoustic atmosphere erases all traces of alt rock, and the vocals dissolve into harmonies. This decision creates a sense of dialogue and scale in the performance, making this song one of the most emotional on the album. The final track “Rest (Fall Away)” sounds personal and intimate due to its almost homey sound, with standout vocals accompanied by a gentle female backing. The slight rustling creates a sense of tranquility, while the vocals convey all shades of emotion.

“Cryptograms” is the kind of album that seems designed to have a lasting impact. Mayday 13 skillfully manipulates styles without letting commercial trends dictate the terms. To be more precise, it’s a kind of mix where alternative rock meets lighter and more accessible commercial melodies. “Cryptograms” plays with this balance, making it appealing both to seasoned genre enthusiasts and newcomers. This album is definitely recommendable to anyone looking for music capable of eliciting an emotional response. Mayday 13 demonstrates that alternative rock is still full of life and fresh ideas.

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