Welcome to another exciting edition of Weekly New Releases on B-Side Guys, your go-to hub for discovering fresh and original music! Our team has been scouring the vast terrain of the musical world, unearthing the gems just waiting to be enjoyed. This week’s selection is a thrilling concoction of melodies and rhythms – a veritable treasure trove of sonic goodness. From the sun-kissed shores of pop music to the dense underbrush of the indie scene, the vibrant hustle and bustle of hip-hop streets to the expansive landscapes of electronic music – we’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone. So, grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s embark on this exhilarating journey through the best new releases. And remember, life’s too short for bad music!
Sea Glass & Sky Adler – “Weekend”
In “Weekend,” Sea Glass and Sky Adler offer a poignant rumination on youth, hopes, and growing pains. The duo blends the best of their creative styles, crafting a track that is an interesting cross between late ’90s slacker rock and infectious pop sensibilities. The song opens with the protagonist’s tender school-age love and subtly grows more complicated, mirroring the complexity of growing up. Despite the simplicity of its narrative, there’s an underlying melancholy that’s almost inescapable, a reflection of the inescapable realities of life.
The driving energy of the track is infectious, moving listeners from verse to chorus with a relentless pop rhythm. Sea Glass’s intricate production skills are on full display, alongside Adler’s knack for dynamics, elevated builds, and creating a party atmosphere. The lyric “I hope we make it to the weekend” is both a literal longing for school-free days and a metaphor for the dream of a trouble-free future. In true pop fashion, it’s an earworm that will get lodged in your brain after the first listen. A powerful mix of nostalgia and contemporary energy, “Weekend” is an ode to youthful days gone by that speaks volumes about the duality of human existence.
Fleur bleu-e – “She Wants To Live”
In their latest single, “She Wants to Live,” Fleur bleu·e captures the harrowing realities of mental health struggles with stark intensity. Framed as an ode to a friend’s resilience and courage amid psychological turmoil, the track is not just a song; it’s a conversation about mental health, a love letter to resilience, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of human life. The plaintive lyrics underscore the protagonist’s longing for normalcy and stability, her desire to live and feel genuinely reflected in the lines “I know a little soul, she wants to live/I know a little heart, it wants to beat.”
The soundscape of “She Wants to Live” embraces a nuanced, dreamlike quality, akin to Fleur bleu·e’s signature style that navigates through a melange of dreams and nightmares. The atmospheric underpinnings of the music embody the song’s narrative, creating a sonic palette that mirrors the highs and lows of human existence. The refrain “And I know she has/Done already/Oh so many/Walks” stands out as an echo of the protagonist’s struggle, and also an affirmation of her tenacity. Fleur bleu·e manages to handle this sensitive theme with grace and authenticity, rendering “She Wants to Live” a poignant exploration of the human spirit’s resilience and an affirmation of life in the face of adversity.
Bashlow – “Parliaments”
“Parliaments,” the latest from the talented Bashlow, is a haunting ode to lust-filled encounters punctuated by requited passion but unrequited love. It’s a raw and poignant exploration of a situationship that delves deep into the dissonance between the physical and emotional aspects of an ephemeral relationship. Bashlow draws from artists like Halsey, Billie Eilish, and Phoebe Bridgers to craft a song that captures the complex emotions that emerge from a love that is fuelled more by vodka-fueled declarations than genuine intimacy.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship steeped in hedonism and recklessness. Bashlow sings about a woman living on her father’s dime, rebelling against the establishment, and her careless approach to love and life. The repeated use of ‘reckless’ and ‘desperate’ encapsulates the song’s theme of a chaotic and emotionally charged relationship. With every desperate gasp and act of recklessness, the song becomes a brutal reminder of a love that could have been but never was. The track concludes on a thought-provoking note, leaving listeners wondering if they should also be “less reckless.” In “Parliaments,” Bashlow has managed to create a bittersweet soundtrack for anyone nursing the wounds of a situationship or past loves lost.
Sunnan – “The Sound (Make It Come Back)”
Sunnan makes their striking debut with “The Sound (Make It Come Back),” a track that sways as much as it captivates, aptly demonstrating the group’s self-described sound of “Cinema, spaghetti Motown, Cowboy Soul.” Composed of some of Sweden’s most sought-after musicians who’ve worked with the likes of Titiyo, Veronica Maggio, Grant, among others, the quintet harnesses their collective talent to produce a track that fuses elements of the old and the new, creating a tapestry of sound that is both nostalgic and cutting-edge.
“The Sound (Make It Come Back)” is a testament to Sunnan’s ability to incorporate cinematic qualities into their music. The band succeeds in evoking the feeling of dramatic film experiences, transporting the listener on a journey through sun-drenched roads, underscored by masterfully executed laid-back grooves. The track serves as an enticing appetizer for the band’s upcoming album, promising more experimentation and the clever use of bygone-era radio waves as sampling material. Sunnan’s approach to their music, more akin to the sensation of a 35-millimeter film screen than explicit instrumentation, makes for a refreshing and compelling listening experience. Their debut is an audacious proclamation that speaks volumes of their ability to innovate and redefine musical boundaries.
Flora Summers – “Sweet Summer Feels”
In “Sweet Summer Feels,” Flora Summers perfectly encapsulates the heat of a summer romance with an intoxicating blend of vintage pop. It is a sun-soaked melody, equal parts flirty and carefree, just like the chemistry Summers sings about. Following the success of her debut single, “Obsessions,” this second single solidifies Summers’ ability to craft an enticing narrative through her music, as she flawlessly conveys the sensation of an endless summer through vibrant lyrics and a radiant melody.
Behind the pseudonym Flora Summers is songwriter and producer Ida Johansson, one half of the electropop duo Isle of You. Her expertise as a songwriter is clear in her lyrics, which intertwine elements of playfulness and intensity to tell a story of summer love. The song evokes imagery of sun-kissed skin and lazy days on the beach, brought to life by Summers’ beautiful and airy vocals. “Sweet Summer Feels” is as much an ode to summer as it is to the thrill of newfound love, establishing Summers as an artist capable of transforming personal experiences into universally relatable music. This track promises a bright future for her upcoming EP and further cements her place in the realm of vintage-scented pop music.
Laundry Boys – “Drunk on Love”
Laundry Boys, the audacious duo from Stockholm, have come out with their debut single “Drunk On Love” and it’s an enthralling blend of sonorous influences. The track is not simply a song, but an experience – a cinematic journey whisking the listener into the world of Laundry Boys’ making. The didgeridoo-like intro, followed by the repetitive percussion loop and the psychedelic American guitars, is a testament to the band’s expansive musical palette and aptitude for crafting an atmosphere.
Beyond the music itself, the band’s ethos is apparent. Their disregard for commercial potential in favor of following their inspiration lends an authenticity to their work that is palpable. The track is a part of their upcoming EP “Yatzy Music Vol. 1” and it beautifully encapsulates their attitude towards music creation – focusing more on the vibe and the creative process rather than rigid genres or commercial viability. This is evident in the multifaceted influences from Houston’s chopped and screwed scene, stoner rock from California, and desert blues from North Africa, all woven into a pop tapestry. With their focus on creating immersive sonic experiences, Laundry Boys are a refreshing entrant into the music world and “Drunk On Love” is a tantalizing first taste of what they have to offer.
David Arlo – “Speeding”
David Arlo’s “Speeding” is a poignant exploration of the often painful journey of self-realization and evolution. This London-born Nigerian artist ingeniously captures the raw sentiment of rejection and liberation through a deft blending of Alt Pop, R&B, and hints of alternative soundscapes. The song – brimming with sadness yet imbued with a potent undercurrent of empowerment – captures the process of detaching from unfulfilling relationships and spaces to welcome a more respectful and affirming environment.
With a discography colored by collaborations with industry heavyweights such as Malay, Marcus Semaj, and Hitmaker Boots, Arlo’s confident versatility is evident in his expressive vocal delivery and sky-scraping range. There is an epic undercurrent to “Speeding”, a sense of grandeur that contrasts beautifully with the inherent chill, introspective mood. The song is as much an introspective confession as it is a testament to Arlo’s blossoming potential, demonstrating his uncanny ability to turn personal adversity into captivating music. His bold embrace of the truth in life’s challenges promises that he’s an artist to watch, and “Speeding” is just a snapshot of what this multifaceted creator has to offer.
The Walters – “Stuck In My Ways”
On their new single “Stuck In My Ways,” platinum-selling indie pop group The Walters weave a tapestry of airy melodies and playful lyrics, serving up an infectious indie pop tune that is simultaneously breezy and introspective. Known for their 2014 hit “I Love You So” that saw a renaissance on TikTok in 2021 and raked in over 850 million Spotify streams, the Chicago-originated band’s distinct heart-on-sleeve songwriting shines in this release. The song encapsulates the ironic self-awareness of being caught in one’s habitual actions, often to the point of friction with a partner, all delivered amidst an engaging sonic framework of layered harmonies, funky basslines, and shimmering soundscapes.
The Walters, comprising Luke Olson, Walter Kosner, Danny Wells, and Charles Ekhaus, have built their reputation on an organic blend of surf-pop, ’70s sounds, and subtly inventive alt-rock, often drawing comparisons to timeless artists like The Beach Boys, Elliot Smith, and Neil Young. “Stuck In My Ways” continues this trend while signposting the band’s continued growth and evolution. It’s a track that both capitalizes on their charming, homespun aesthetic and showcases their honed songcraft, hinting at the band’s promising future as they prepare for their full-length album. The song’s accompanying video, which embraces fun, light-hearted activities like potato sack races and hot dog eating contests, underscores the band’s commitment to presenting their music with a sense of humor and a touch of nostalgia, further cementing The Walters as a creative force to be reckoned with.
Shrae – “Strawberry Pancakes”
In her latest single “Strawberry Pancakes,” Bombay-based singer-songwriter Shrae invites listeners into a rich sonic tapestry, deftly weaving strands of RnB, Soul, Jazz, Pop, and Funk to create a mesmerizing “genre fluid” soundscape. Evocative of artists such as Jorja Smith and H.E.R, the track carries an intimate, confessional quality, enhanced by Shrae’s emotive lyricism and her carefully selected instrumentation. The song’s fusion of genre elements is a testament to her broad range of influences, from timeless pop acts like ABBA to jazz luminaries such as Esperanza Spalding and Miles Davis. “Strawberry Pancakes” feels like a personal revelation, an artist laying bare her innermost thoughts and emotions through the transcendent medium of music.
As an artist, Shrae sets herself apart with her depth and authenticity, as well as her dedication to exploring personal narratives through her songwriting. A singer, performer, and educator, her music emerges as an extension of her lived experience, and “Strawberry Pancakes” is no exception. With its heartfelt lyrics and eclectic blend of musical styles, the track underscores Shrae’s dynamic versatility as an artist. While rooted in R&B, Neo Soul, and Jazz, her sound expands beyond these genres to encapsulate a style uniquely her own. As Shrae prepares to release more music in the coming months, “Strawberry Pancakes” serves as an exciting glimpse into her artistic evolution, highlighting a burgeoning talent that promises to leave a lasting impact on the global music scene.
Fanaticus – “My Life (Epilogue)” feat. BdotJeff
In “My Life (Epilogue),” Ohio artist Fanaticus presents an intimate narrative of grief, friendship, and resilience set against the backdrop of a relaxed, yet complex musical arrangement. The track’s instrumentation, a mélange of chill beats, intricate guitar samples, and a self-played trumpet solo, intertwines with the poignant lyrics to craft a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Fanaticus’s lament over the tragic loss of his friend to gun violence, coupled with his own struggle with substance use, comes across with raw honesty and vulnerability. His choice to include a feature from his best friend, BdotJeff, adds a layer of verisimilitude to the track, as the two navigate the rocky terrain of grief and recovery together.
Driven by unfiltered emotion and brutal honesty, Fanaticus delves deep into his personal journey, embedding his narrative into the fabric of his lyrics. From lines like “Everything that I say, I lived it I may/retelling of my life shit, I just hope you relate” to “I feel I won’t survive//They said my bro just died”, the song’s lyrical depth transcends the realm of mere storytelling and becomes an extension of Fanaticus’s lived experience. A track that could easily succumb to the weight of its own sorrow instead pivots towards resilience and recovery, with BdotJeff’s lines, “Running from it all just ain’t okay/Cause you got mad strength like a tidal wave.” “My Life (Epilogue)” is more than a song – it’s a raw, unfiltered journey through grief and loss, and an example of music as a cathartic, healing tool. As Fanaticus continues to share his truth and his journey with his audience, he proves that the deepest struggles can indeed be turned into something special.