Brain Stew is Kasem’s Single Out Now
Good Day Noir Family,
Kasem’s take on Brain Stew is more than just a cover—it’s a respectful reimagining. Staying true to the gritty essence of the Green Day original, the Melbourne-based band injects their own flavor without losing the tension and monotony that made the 1995 track so distinctive.
Brain Stew is Kasem’s Single Out Now
Right from the incipit, the guitars bite with a slightly sharper, more acidic tone.
There’s a surgical quality to the distortion—cleaner in execution but still heavy enough to carry that familiar drag-through-mud pacing. The vocals land with confidence, channelling the sneer of Billie Joe Armstrong while steering clear of impersonation. Kasem’s singer brings authority, not imitation.
The drumming doesn’t try to outdo the original—it serves the same function with discipline and restraint, giving the track its hypnotic pull. But what stands out most is the addition of synth textures and keys that subtly widen the mix. These touches aren’t overbearing—they slip in during key moments, giving the track a futuristic edge without derailing its grunge-era roots.
The climax hits with full force. As expected, it builds tension through repetition, but Kasem makes a bold move: a guitar solo closes things out, not flashy, but dramatic enough to distinguish their version. It feels earned, not forced.
Kasem had already turned heads with their debut single Million Dollar Man, a politically-tinged rocker with hints of Led Zeppelin. This cover shows another side of them: a band confident in their influences but unafraid to put their own stamp on classic material. Their version of Brain Stew is familiar, but never stale.
Brain Stew is Kasem’s Single Out Now!
Solid!
Kasem is a Melbourne-based alternative rock band formed in 2019 by Tom (vocals/guitar) and Jake (drums), two physiotherapists-turned-bandmates who bonded over indie, psychedelic, and grunge playlists. They started jamming in a backyard shed before expanding their lineup with Nicola (bass) and Rochelle (vocals/keys), bringing depth and groove to their sound.
From humble lunchtime sessions to performing across Victoria, Kasem evolved quickly, turning their tin shed into a full studio and recording original music during the pandemic. In 2025, they released their debut single “Million Dollar Man”, a politically-charged track blending Gen X rock with modern concerns. Their debut EP, “Left to Repair the World,” is set to follow, tackling themes of societal struggle with layered instrumentation and emotional depth.
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