By Way Of Water explore the weight of loss on ‘Brain Decay’

By Way Of Water’s latest single ‘Brain Decay’ is a raw, deeply introspective look at grief and the relentless “what ifs” that haunt the mind in its wake. As the first single from the upcoming album ‘Black Holes & Bright Lights’, the song delivers a powerful emotional punch, wrapped in a gritty, no-frills rock sound that cuts straight to the core.

Written and recorded in just a few hours on Halloween 2020, ‘Brain Decay’ stands apart from the album’s more atmospheric and experimental moments. Instead, it leans into a hard-hitting, straightforward rock energy, making it an immediate and highly accessible track. Thematically, it dives headfirst into the obsessive thoughts that accompany loss; the lingering regrets, the second-guessing, the aching question of whether more could have been done. The song may be shorter than some of the other cuts on the album, but its emotional impact is undeniable.

Recorded entirely at home, ‘Brain Decay’ carries a personal weight that few records can claim. The house where this song came to life is the same place where the artist’s beloved dog, Tiki, passed; a space that holds years of memories and, now, a musical tribute that feels cathartic and deeply personal. The DIY approach to recording only amplifies the raw authenticity of the project, incorporating live takes, drum sample layering, and amp simulators to create a sound that feels both polished and organic.

With ‘Brain Decay’, By Way Of Water showcase their ability to channel deeply personal emotions into compelling music but also their willingness to embrace sonic evolution.