French-born, Australia-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Sebastien Laloue returns with Old School Garage, the third album from his progressive/alternative rock project, Brainsqueezed. Independently released on February 7, 2025, the album is a sonic kaleidoscope, combining the echoes of classic rock giants like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin with the grunge energy of Soundgarden and the atmospheric textures of trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack. The result is a compelling and deeply personal exploration of nostalgia, modern struggles, and artistic evolution.
From the opening track “Fix the Play,” Old School Garage immediately transports the listener into Laloue’s world—a place where vintage rock aesthetics meet contemporary introspection. This album serves as a showcase of his deep musical roots, shaped by decades of diverse influences. As he explains, “I wanted to produce the music I would love to listen to,” and that sentiment is evident throughout every note and lyric.
One of the album’s most striking qualities is its uninterrupted blending of genres. While some tracks lean heavily into progressive rock, featuring complex instrumental sections and extended compositions (“Haunted Mind,” “For You,” “The New World“), others embrace a raw, immediate energy that channels his love for alternative rock (“Fix the Play,” “Breaking Down These Walls“). Laloue describes his approach as striving for balance: “If the tracks sound too similar, they can become boring; if they are too diverse, it might be hard for listeners to stay engaged.” Fortunately, Old School Garage achieves a rare equilibrium between cohesion and variety, aided by masterful production and a distinct “Brainsqueezed touch” that unifies the album’s sonic panorama.
Lyrically, the album captures the contrast between nostalgia and the turbulence of the modern world. Tracks touch on themes of climate change, war, and emotional insecurity, making it more than just a musical homage to the past. As Laloue states, “While the music has a vintage vibe, the lyrics reflect how I see today’s world.” This duality is mirrored in the album’s striking cover art—a real-life abandoned garage in New Zealand set against an erupting backdrop, symbolizing rock music’s resilience in the face of change.
A key highlight of Old School Garage is its dynamic use of both male and female vocals, courtesy of longtime collaborators Marcello and Audrey. Their voices, expertly threaded into the album’s fabric, bring depth and variety to each song. “I don’t initially think about whether a male or female voice should sing them,” Laloue explains, “but rather what blends best with the tune.” This organic approach results in compelling vocal performances, with unexpected choices—such as Marcello taking lead on “Do You Really Dream” and Audrey fronting the rock-driven album opener—that add richness to the album’s narrative.
The album also showcases Laloue’s growth as a songwriter and producer. Since his earlier works (Emotions, Scarred, I Am Not a Robot), he has honed his craft, refining his ability to blend rock, blues, and electronic elements into a distinct identity. “I feel more entitled and confident when creating songs that stray from the typical pop-rock format,” he notes, and that confidence is reflected in the sprawling, exploratory nature of the closing “The New World,” which evolved significantly throughout the recording process. Meanwhile, “Breaking Down These Walls” underwent a transformation from a densely layered composition to a more stripped-down, emotionally resonant piece.
Ultimately, Old School Garage is an album that invites listeners to immerse themselves in its world—whether through the driving force of its rock anthems or the cinematic expansiveness of its progressive compositions. As Laloue hopes, “I want people to listen to it again and share it with their friends.” With its rich textures, moving themes, and masterful execution, Old School Garage is a proof to the enduring power of rock music in an ever-changing world.
Grab the album from Bandcamp. Follow Brainsqueezed on Facebook.
With its rich textures, moving themes, and masterful execution, "Old School Garage" is a proof to the enduring power of rock music in an ever-changing world.
