Welcome to another exciting week of new musical discoveries here at bsideguys.com! As the pulse of the underground music scene, we’re constantly on the lookout for innovative sounds, groundbreaking artists, and the hidden gems that lie in the vast world of music. Every week, we curate a fresh batch of releases, ensuring that your playlist never grows stale. Whether you’re a fan of avant-garde, indie-rock, or electronic fusion, we’ve got something that’ll strike a chord with your musical soul. So buckle up and dive into this week’s selection of new releases, and prepare to embark on a sonic journey like no other. Your next favorite artist might be just a click away!
Fallon Cush – “Hang Onto Me”
With the melodious echo of Wilco and Neil Finn resonating throughout, Fallon Cush’s latest single “Hang Onto Me” is a soothing lullaby that doesn’t shy away from a poignant core. Steve Smith’s warm, unassuming vocals wrap the listener in a gentle embrace, guiding them through the delicate landscapes of loneliness and longing. The pedal steel and keys add an emotive layer, both complementing and elevating the song’s exploration of self-care. Through it, the title takes on a double meaning, an invitation for introspection as well as a plea for connection.
Lyrically, “Hang Onto Me” balances on a razor’s edge, painting an image of a soul in the throes of isolation. But Smith ensures that the song never tips into despair; there’s a reassuring presence that pervades the track. Lines like “You know that if you need a friend / More than you like to hide / You can always trust that I’m by your side” add an element of hope, providing a lifeline to those in need. The straightforwardness of the lyrics only adds to their strength, making the song an understated yet deeply resonant country-rock anthem. This second single from the forthcoming EP offers a glimpse of what might be a soul-stirring collection, with a humanity that’s both comforting and captivating.
Cold Weather Captains – “Royal Purple”
Cold Weather Captains return with “Royal Purple,” a boisterous anthem embracing individuality, self-love, and a kaleidoscope of rock genres. From glam metal and pop-rock to funk and blues, the Toronto-based band weaves a tapestry of influences that includes nods to AC/DC, Queen, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. What emerges is a sound that’s simultaneously familiar and innovative, embracing clichés with a self-aware wink and reshaping them into a fresh musical offering. Lyrics like “In this world of rabbits, it’s ok to be a turtle” embody the song’s encouraging embrace of standing out and being true to oneself, all delivered with a vibrancy that feels both playful and earnest.
“Royal Purple” sparkles with the energy of a live performance, and the unmistakable musicianship of Bradley Scott, Erik Meechem, Kevin Penny, Justin Di Donato, and Christina Dare. The song’s message of embracing one’s unique identity and loving life’s journey comes through with clear authenticity. This passion and honesty translate into a track that not only pays homage to the band’s diverse musical inspirations but stands as an uplifting ode to individuality and personal freedom. Whether you’re drawn to the eclectic genre-blending or the unapologetically affirmative lyrics, Cold Weather Captains offer a danceable, sing-along hit that urges listeners to proudly wear their own shade of “Royal Purple.”
Alex McArtor – “Oxygen Thief”
Alex McArtor’s “Oxygen Thief” emerges as a soul-searching ballad, marking a triumphant return for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. The track, inspired by a turbulent chapter in her life and a disturbing book that mirrored her own experience, explores the painful disconnection when love’s energetic bonds are severed. McArtor’s soulful voice, ripe with emotion, brings a tangible intimacy to the song, weaving a tale of loneliness and creative struggle that resonates deeply. Reflecting on her artistic journey as “an endless death and rebirth,” the 21-year-old artist delivers a piece that’s as personal as it is universal, cementing her status as one of the industry’s most promising talents.
Musically, “Oxygen Thief” strikes a fine balance between McArtor’s deeply soulful sensibilities and pop accessibility. Her poignant storytelling, framed by lush instrumentation, creates an experience that’s simultaneously captivating and relatable. The song feels like a significant milestone in McArtor’s evolving career, following an 18-month hiatus since her last single. The accompanying lyric video adds another layer to the song’s emotional landscape, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the narrative fully. With “Oxygen Thief,” Alex McArtor not only reasserts her distinctive musical voice but offers a profound reflection on growth, pain, and the cycles of creativity that will likely continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
Fabian Brusk-Jahn – “Skepp ohoj”
Fabian Brusk-Jahn’s “Skepp ohoj” sails into the murky waters of modern society’s obsession with narcissism and social media. The 37-year-old Gothenburg artist, known for his time as the frontman for punk-rock act “Death By Armborst,” transitions seamlessly into a solo venture that reveals a voice capable of both silk-soft whispers and raspy rock’n’roll grit. Drawing comparisons to Tom Waits, the track weaves a dark and simple musical landscape, a departure from Brusk-Jahn’s earlier blues sound. The lyrics “Into the void / Followers follow and haters destroy / Words without a voice / Swims in a shallow noise” portray the shallow and destructive nature of online interactions, while the imagery of a withering flower illustrates the fragility of genuine connections in a digital age.
“Skepp ohoj” is a powerful exploration of the hollowness that social media can cultivate within us. Through simple percussions and rich guitar work, Brusk-Jahn crafts an epic sound that manages to feel both grand and minimalistic. The song’s haunting chorus, “I sail my soul, skepp ohoj! / Find some peace of mind / In the land of the angry and blind,” echoes the disquieting journey into the void of online disconnection. This new direction, heralded by “Skepp ohoj,” signifies an exciting evolution in Brusk-Jahn’s music, where he’s not afraid to tackle relevant societal issues with a refreshing artistic honesty. In a world often lost to superficial digital interactions, “Skepp ohoj” serves as a compelling and thoughtful reflection on what we’ve become, making it an essential listen for those yearning for a deeper connection to the human experience.
Lotta Wenglén – “Trust Issues”
Lotta Wenglén’s EP “Stardust & Debris” presents a soul-stirring blend of country pop that transforms complex emotions into palatable tunes. The focus single “Trust Issues” serves as a particularly potent example, reimagining her own Swedish-language song “Tillitsproblematik” from the 2020 EP “Alla andra ska dö.” The track resonates with raw vulnerability and careful craftsmanship, encapsulating themes of mistrust and intimacy. With intricate string arrangements, acoustic guitar, percussion, and a luxurious omnichord, “Trust Issues” thrives in a space that’s both reflective of Bacharach’s melodious genius and freshly innovative. The song’s melancholic undertones are offset by its crisp production, resulting in a harmonious fusion of warmth and love.
Her upcoming EP release gig at Far i Hatten promises to be a charming culmination of a project steeped in elegance and emotional resonance.
Stone Branches – “The Way Out”
Stone Branches’ latest single, “The Way Out,” emanates a contemplative serenity, offering listeners a reflective journey through acceptance and hindsight. With echoes of the introspective lyricism that has drawn comparisons to Coldplay and Radiohead, “The Way Out” intertwines vivid imagery and intimate storytelling. Lyrics like “Breathing it in / The sight and the sound / Down deep in the green / With the roots in the ground” convey an elemental connection with nature, painting a landscape where contemplation flourishes. The metaphors and elemental descriptions find harmony with the song’s melodic guitar lines and tender vocal hooks, culminating in an emotive climax that truly defines Stone Branches’ distinct sound.
Emerging from Southampton’s vibrant music scene, Stone Branches have managed to carve a niche with their compelling and authentic sound. The interplay between Matt Bialas’s emotive vocals, Nick Burton and Ollie Hickson’s articulate guitar work, Ashley French’s robust bass, and Holly Barnett’s dynamic drumming creates a musical tapestry that resonates deeply with audiences. Their debut EP ‘Mantra,’ and subsequent recognition at the ‘Isle Of Wight – New Blood Competition,’ are testaments to the band’s evolving craftsmanship and live prowess. With “The Way Out,” Stone Branches present a confident step forward, one that promises continued growth and resonance with both new listeners and long-standing fans alike. This track is not merely a song; it’s an exploration, a momentous reflection of personal growth, and a signal that Stone Branches are indeed a band to watch in the unfolding British rock scene.