Previewing the debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP, this is the first official transmission of the project’s signature "gooey haze", blending the sun-drenched textures of 60s garage rock with the restless energy of raw fuzzed-out modern indie spirit. Between the wash of tape echo and reverb, the track finds a sweet spot where lo-fi garage psych meets 90s shoegaze, all anchored by layered harmonies and an evocatively intimate vocal delivery.
The sonic brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Brant Hajek, Wooden Overcoat began in the isolation of 2020, when he returned to music after a hiatus, recording songs he'd written in his late teens. What started as a practice in self-production transformed into a deep creative obsession with soundscapes and gear. Recording in a rented basement, Hajek built the foundation of the EP through spontaneous experimentation—often veering away from planned sessions to follow sudden bursts of inspiration.
"When I wrote "Home", it kind of poured out of me, and I think I’m still interpreting it. But to me, it’s about acknowledging something beautiful, even if it can’t last. Two people who feel naturally paired, like elements of nature, slowly decomposing and self-destructing," says Brant Hajek.
"It’s about the inevitable demise of anything, and ultimately that we need to appreciate what is here right now and live in that magical existence. It’s about having the capacity to admire even when things are burning out."
A study in productive contradictions; while the lyrics and aesthetics might suggest a certain darkness, they are often rooted in inside jokes and a sense of warmth. Hajek’s creative process is a deeply personal, layered journey involving mumbled placeholder lyrics and a patient wait for the specific spark that turns an "emotionally restless" melody into a finished piece.
While Hajek performed every instrument on the studio recordings to preserve the project’s intimate DIY spirit, he has since found his tribe, assembling a full live band to translate these compositions to the stage. With Hajek leading the way on guitar and lead vocals, Wooden Overcoat is rounded out by Dillon Glusker on bass, Mac on guitar, and Brian Levin on drums and backing vocals. Through community, the band creates a fantastic dreamlike environment for like-minded people.
The name Wooden Overcoat—an old Americana euphemism for a coffin—hints at the project’s core philosophy: a playful balance of moody, mystical imagery with light-hearted humor. Hajek’s creative process is personal, the rough versions eventually coalescing into vivid, emotionally resonant themes.
This is Wooden Overcoat's first collaboration with Italian multi-arts visionary Francesca Bonci, well known for her work with The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport and Slowdive's Rachel Goswell, LA's Tombstones In Their Eyes, Federale (The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Collin Hegna), post-rock outfit The Quality of Mercury, and iconic British bard Philip Parfitt.
As of March 24, "Home" is available from digital platforms everywhere, including Bandcamp. Wooden Overcoat's debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP will be released on May 9. Wooden Overcoat performs next on March 26 at Portland's Star Theatre with Gvth Dvddy and NIGHT SPOTS. Tickets are available here.
CREDITS
Written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Brant Hajek
Performed by Brant Hajek
Recorded in a house in Portland, Oregon
Only humans made this art
Cover art + photo by Brant Hajek
Band photos by Brett Chauncey
Video by Francesca Bonci
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
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