Good evening everyone, and welcome back to B-Side Guys for your daily dose of music discovery. It’s Thursday and the weekend is within reach, but before we get there, we have an impressive roster of talent to showcase. As you settle into the twilight hours, take a journey with us through the soundscapes of artists that are pushing boundaries and creating waves in the music scene.
Today, we’ve turned every stone in our quest to bring you the best from the world of under-the-radar musicians. We’ve journeyed through the vibrant city streets, traced the contours of dreamy coastlines, and meandered through the echoes of lush forests – all through the magic of music. We’re here to shine a spotlight on the hidden gems of the music world, artists unafraid to chart their own course, and to create the unexpected.
So, get comfortable, let go of the day’s worries, and get ready to discover some incredible new music. Prepare to dive headfirst into a world of unique melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and innovative sounds. Music is a universe unto itself, with limitless possibilities and endless opportunities for discovery.
Thank you for joining us for today’s weeknight wrap-up on B-Side Guys. Remember, the music doesn’t stop here – keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep pushing boundaries. Goodnight and good vibes to all!
The Wans – “Enough of Your Love”
The Wans, Nashville’s dynamic rock unit, breathe new life into their gritty and potent sound on “Enough of Your Love,” a standout track from their highly anticipated fourth LP, Magical Touch. Known for their classic rock homage—with a lineage that links them to powerhouse acts like The Stooges and Stone Temple Pilots—The Wans have transformed their sonic approach, boasting a fusion of their traditional robust rock underpinning with traces of 80s and 90s Brit-Pop.
The synergy between the band members is palpable, with a revamped lineup that now includes Akshay Narang and the return of Noah Denney behind the drums. As a result, “Enough of Your Love” struts with a revitalized energy, highlighted by the undeniable chemistry of their performances. The song showcases the band’s exploration of self-awareness, love, and togetherness, echoing a sentiment that is deeply personal yet resonates universally. Simon Kerr’s voice rings true with an edgy charisma reminiscent of rock legends, while the addition of Narang’s synth and guitar work adds a new layer of intrigue to their already multifaceted sound. An homage to their past while carving out their future, “Enough of Your Love” signals a welcome reawakening for The Wans.
Chuck Strangers – “Hurry” feat. Fly Anakin and Pink Siifu
Brooklyn MC and producer Chuck Strangers returns with a fresh cut titled “Hurry,” featuring Fly Anakin and Pink Siifu, off his latest EP, The Boys & Girls. Known for his integral contributions to the Pro Era sound and Joey Bada$$’s acclaimed 1999 mixtape, Strangers now shines in his own light, blending his masterful production skills with a sharpening lyrical prowess.
“Hurry” stands as a testament to this growth, showcasing not only Strangers’ rediscovered passion for rap but his keen ear for collaboration. The track captures a balance of raw lyrical talent and well-crafted production, brought to life by Fly Anakin’s meticulously crafted verse and Pink Siifu’s unique sonic stylings. The song embodies the celebratory essence of crafting a rap song with friends, subtly reflecting the underground hip-hop vibes that Strangers has always been a part of. Evoking a personal renaissance for Chuck as an artist, “Hurry” serves as a compelling reflection of Strangers’ evolution from a supportive architect of other artists’ sounds to a force in his own right.
Laura Wolf – “Homebody”
“Homebody,” the third single from Laura Wolf’s forthcoming album Shelf Life, is a fascinating fusion of genres that results in a unique brand of art-pop. Directed by Renata Zeiguer, the accompanying video is as idiosyncratic as the song itself. Wolf’s handmade arrangements blend sweeping acoustics with industrial samples, crafted and produced in the solitude of her parent’s attic. The song is an immersive exploration of being confined within four walls while life whirls outside, rendering a unique spin on chamber pop from the Brooklyn-based artist.
Laura Wolf, a producer, cellist, and singer, has a knack for deconstructing genres and reassembling them into her distinctive sound, creating off-kilter chamber-pop arrangements laden with engaging sound design. “Homebody” is a reflection of her evolution from a classical musician to an electronic producer, with her upcoming album Shelf Life, encapsulating this transition. The track is an intricate patchwork of playful sound design, orchestral snippets, industrial samples, and personal vocals, creating an auditory landscape that is truly Wolf’s own. Her ability to balance the whimsy of the genre with introspective lyricism lends an authentic feel to the music, revealing a deeper emotional depth beneath the playful facade.
The Rabbitts – “This Machine”
In “This Machine,” The Rabbitts deliver a stirring performance laced with raw emotional energy. The song, recorded live with just acoustic guitar, mandolin, and fretless bass, resonates with an organic authenticity that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s digitally dominated music scene. The lyrics express a yearning for meaningful experience and individuality, a sentiment encapsulated in the lines, “I wanna feel something / I wanna be someone / I wanna go where no-one’s ever been before.” This emotional narrative is underscored by the haunting refrain, “This machine is killing me,” a potent commentary on the potentially dehumanizing impact of our increasingly mechanized existence.
Stripped of studio gimmickry, the song’s potency lies in its simplicity. The lyrics serve as a plaintive plea for understanding and an examination of existential ennui, seen in lines like, “Why don’t people say to me / Not everything has got to change / There’s rhythm in the cycles but the chaos seems to infiltrate.” The metaphor of the machine, a recurring motif throughout the song, seems to represent a larger societal system that can often feel suffocating and unyielding. “This Machine” is a melancholic reflection on the struggle for individuality and personal fulfillment amidst the chaotic whirl of modern life. Its sparse, yet evocative instrumentation lends further weight to this introspective narrative, crafting a compelling sonic landscape that remains imprinted on the listener’s consciousness long after the final note has been played.
Hugh Klein and Komang – “Crisp”
In “Crisp,” Melbourne native Hugh Klein in collaboration with Komang, guides us through an intimate sonic journey. Drawing from the subtle nuances of Blue Note jazz and neo-soul to the grandeur of feature film scores, Klein delves into themes of intimacy, desire, and romance. The result is a piece that is not just a song, but a story, rich in texture and emotion, ready to sweep listeners into its captivating narrative.
The lyrics themselves unfold like a private dialogue between lovers, each line infused with an alluring sensuality. From “We’re alone in my house / I’m tryna get dressed up / But you say, stop, there / Cos all, / I’m gonna do is take it all off,” to “Gratitude to your body / How it tells me it loves me / It loves me so good / Like you never could / I can’t, I can’t / Seem to tell, / seem to tell / You’re so quiet / (You’re so quiet) / You’re so crisp / You’re so crisp / you’re so / Gentle,” Klein deftly crafts a narrative of mutual seduction and adoration, exploring the delicate dance of romantic engagement. The repeated phrase “You’re so crisp,” serves as a poignant metaphor, perhaps reflecting the fresh, sharp sensation of new love or the clarity of profound emotional connection. In “Crisp,” Klein and Komang provide an enticing testament to the beauty of love, intimacy, and vulnerability.
Psychic Social Club – “We Don’t Talk”
With their latest release, “We Don’t Talk,” Melbourne-based indie rock outfit Psychic Social Club is carving out a vibrant space within the genre. The four-piece band, led by frontman Jared Roscioli and completed by Simon Farrelly, Chris Baxter, and Luke Bratchford, channels an irresistible energy, reminiscent of esteemed Australian names like Spacey Jane, The Vanns, and Bakers Eddy. This influence is not merely derivative but transformative, as the band melds a distinct sonic identity from the bedrock of their inspirations.
“We Don’t Talk” brims with a potent mix of fuzzy guitars, rippling vocals, and a pulsating rhythm section. But what sets this track apart is its raw emotional core; it serves as a poignant meditation on faded relationships and the lasting echoes they leave behind. Roscioli’s confession that the song reflects his past connections that faded when he moved interstate at 17 adds a layer of autobiographical depth to the track. The anthemic chorus and chant-worthy lyrics transform the tune into a cathartic unbottling of emotions and provide a therapeutic release of words unsaid. Given this context, “We Don’t Talk” is more than a catchy indie rock song; it’s a deeply resonant exploration of past connections and the inevitable question of ‘what if.’
Already hailed as a “mega infectious… big balloon of pop-rock” by Triple J’s Declan Byrne, Psychic Social Club has made significant strides since their inception. With a number of singles under their belt since 2019 and a growing reputation in the local music scene, “We Don’t Talk” further solidifies their status as a band to watch. This track marks a pivotal point in their journey, a beacon for those drawn to their compelling fusion of indie rock soundscapes and emotionally-charged narratives.