Welcome to Multi-Track Mondays on bsideguys.com, the weekly sanctuary for music aficionados! Here, we delve into the mesmerizing world of emerging artists, under-the-radar gems, and tracks that demand your attention. Whether you’re in search of fresh indie voices, experimental soundscapes, or that next infectious beat, Multi-Track Mondays is your guide to discovering new realms of musical delight. Each week, we carefully curate a selection that transcends genres and breaks conventional boundaries, fostering a community of listeners eager to explore and engage. So grab your headphones, clear your schedule, and prepare to embark on a sonic adventure like no other. Welcome to Multi-Track Mondays – your ticket to the unexplored terrains of contemporary music!
TÂCHES – “The Words (I Leave With You)”
In TÂCHES’s emotionally resounding track, “The Words (I Leave With You),” the artist dives deep into the crevices of isolation and depression, crafting a sonic experience that is at once melancholic and infused with a longing for connection. The lyrics—rife with poignant imagery and introspective musings—create a landscape where beauty and pain intermingle, captured with lines like, “You make beauty feel like an emotion” and “Maybe we’re still together in another dimension.” Through the exploration of the human psyche, TÂCHES delivers an earnest confession of his inner turmoil, resonating in the very marrow of the listener.
Musically, the track embraces a rich and complex tapestry that reflects TÂCHES’s desire to communicate the “transforming experience of being human.” There’s an undercurrent of faith and love that permeates the song, a gentle reminder of the hope that often blooms in the bleakest of circumstances. The artist’s musical ingenuity, a trait that defines his work, is present in every note, melody, and rhythm. “The Words (I Leave With You)” is more than a song; it’s a meditation on existence, a soulful embrace of our shared human fragility, and a celebration of the wonders that await, if we dare to look.
Daemon – “Vader”
Daemon’s track “Vader” is an unapologetic ode to the resilience of true hip-hop, cloaked in the metaphor of darkness battling against the bright, neon-lit modern world. With an incisive flow that cuts through the noise, Daemon’s verses are weapons, each word a strategic move in his crusade against superficiality. The soulful samples and sharp horn lines add a dynamic texture, while the audibly heavy sigh in the track seems to embody the weight of the mission. Daemon is not merely performing; he’s drawing lines in the sand, defining what authentic hip-hop means to him.
Rooted in the tradition of conscious hip-hop and akin to contemporaries like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, Daemon’s work demonstrates the adaptability and vitality of the genre. “Vader” is part of a broader repertoire that spans heartfelt narratives, speed-spitting verses over old-school breaks, and even explorations into new subgenres like grunge-trap. The track’s presence in high-profile games and ads speaks to its impact and resonance, a testament to Daemon’s ability to evolve without losing his essence. In “Vader,” the listener is invited to join Daemon’s battle, reminded that true artistry lies not in the glare of the spotlight but in the shadows where substance and soul reside.
The Dust Collectors – “Shoulder Season”
The Dust Collectors, a folk-rock band hailing from Calgary, Canada, introduce their full-length debut album “Outside In” with the adrenaline-fueled track “Shoulder Season.” The song, designed for the back roads with its moody and catchy country vibes, serves as the ignition to the band’s exploratory journey through rock, folk, and country landscapes. What immediately catches the listener’s ear is not just the toe-tapping rhythms, but the engaging storytelling and gratifying four-part harmonies that connect them to the heart of the band. From outlaw country ballads to sea-shanty-inspired tunes, the varied sounds within the album reflect the band’s genuine collaborative spirit and passion for roots music.
What sets “Shoulder Season” and The Dust Collectors apart is the effortless blend of influences and the shared vocal responsibilities among all four members, reminiscent of iconic groups like The Band and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Each song on “Outside In” feels like a carefully crafted piece of a larger narrative, driven by both the shared and unique musical perspectives of each band member. “Shoulder Season” encapsulates the energy and authenticity that The Dust Collectors inject into their work. Whether it’s heavy rock beats, fiery guitar riffs, or old-school country grooves, they masterfully weave these elements into a fabric that feels at once vintage and refreshingly new. The track stands as a testament to the band’s artistic evolution, and a compelling invitation to explore the rich terrain of their debut album.
The Pinkerton Raid – “Wiggins Special (Freedom Ain’t Free)”
The Pinkerton Raid’s “Wiggins Special (Freedom Ain’t Free)” is a song that vibrates with history, carrying the listener through a narrative both rich and poignant. It chronicles the life of Charlie Wiggins, known as the “Negro Speed King,” a mechanic and race car driver who dominated the tracks in the 1920s and ’30s but was sidelined by racial prejudice. The song’s vivid lyrics intertwine Wiggins’s racing prowess with the social climate of the time, utilizing metaphors of speed, the open road, and the roaring engines to create a powerful statement about race, freedom, and the costs associated with both.
Jesse James DeConto’s passionate delivery, complemented by a harmonious blend of guitars, organ, bass, and drums, gives life to a tale that resonates with today’s societal challenges. The line “Last Sunday in May and freedom ain’t free” recurs as a haunting reminder that the road to equality is fraught with obstacles. The song’s setting in Indianapolis adds another layer of complexity, juxtaposing the thrill of the Indianapolis 500 with the painful history of segregation and discrimination. It’s not just a tribute to a remarkable figure in automotive history; it’s a call to remember and reflect on the lessons of the past. By capturing the roar of engines and the cries for justice, The Pinkerton Raid has crafted a musical journey that resonates long after the final chord has been struck.
Gooseberry – “Orbit”
“Orbit” by Gooseberry, a hulking blues-rock track straight from Brooklyn’s thriving music scene, offers an introspective look into the sacrifices and obsessions that shape both love and art. The song’s thematic thrust leans heavily on the tension between the selfish pursuit of success and the longing for meaningful connections. The powerful vocal performance by Asa Daniels, paired with the soulful instrumentation from Evin Rossington and Will Hammond, encapsulates the duality of desire and duty, creating a song that’s both melancholic and defiant. The infusion of blues adds a touch of raw authenticity to a track that is unapologetically grounded in real human emotion.
In “Orbit,” Gooseberry has masterfully crafted a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever been torn between passion and love. The track’s musical composition, brimming with dynamics, distortion, and a keen sense of melody, mirrors the lyrical themes, creating a rich and immersive listening experience. This latest offering from Gooseberry’s new album “Validate Me” is a testament to their unique alternative rock sound, grounded in the band’s gritty rock ethos. It’s a love song, but one that’s not afraid to lay bare the complexities and contradictions that come with pursuing a dream. A poignant reminder that love and art may coexist, but not without a cost, “Orbit” is a standout track that adds to the allure of a band that knows exactly who they are and is unafraid to show it.
Jazz Barry – “Oh Joe”
Jazz Barry’s “Oh Joe” is a bittersweet melody that unfurls a tale of a summer love turned sour. With an ethereal blend of Dream Pop and Alt Pop, the song captures the ephemeral nature of a romance that was doomed from the start, encapsulating the raw pain of heartbreak. Barry’s voice, reminiscent of artists like Lana Del Rey and Lykke Li, adds an exquisite layer of emotion to the track, making it feel like a timeless heartache that transcends the specificity of the story. The dreamy instrumentation contrasts with the haunting lyrics, painting a picture of love’s innocence lost to indifference.
“Oh Joe” stands out not just as a song about love gone wrong but as a poignant reminder of how fleeting and fragile connections can be. Jazz Barry masterfully conveys the complexity of emotions that come with the realization that something cherished was never meant to last. With a gentle but firm grip on the sensibilities of her genre, she delivers a track that feels both fresh and familiar. In the world of Singer-Songwriter, Dream Pop, and Alt Pop, “Oh Joe” marks Jazz Barry as an artist who can weave the personal and the universal into a song that resonates deeply with listeners, leaving a lingering impression long after the last note has been played.
Ariana Brophy – “The View”
Ariana Brophy’s “The View” is a delicate offering from the world of Acoustic Folk, embracing the listener with its warm, inviting melodies. Much like a comforting glass of mulled wine on a rain-soaked evening, the song envelopes the senses with its nostalgic charm. Brophy’s vocal clarity and unreserved vulnerability transform her lyrics into a deeply personal journey, where every word seems to emanate straight from the heart. The song is a gentle reflection, a timeless portrait of the human condition as observed through a window adorned with the fragility and strength that defines her songwriting.
Drawing from her rich experiences and seasoned performances, Ariana crafts “The View” into a space where laughter shares the stage with tears, a poignant testament to her unique ability to balance conversational humor with tales of human pain. Her credentials, such as the New Moon Folk Club (2016), Canmore Folk Festival (2016), and residency at the National Centre for Folk Arts (2019), resonate in the maturity of her sound, making this song not just another track but a lived-in moment. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, “The View” stands as an exemplary showcase of Ariana Brophy’s profound intimacy and her place within the contemporary folk scene, gently reminding us of the enduring beauty in honesty and connection.
Lunavela – “You know how you are, you know how I feel”
Lunavela’s “You know how you are, you know how I feel” plunges the listener into a reverie of shoegaze and dream pop that evokes universal feelings of longing and introspection. It’s a love song for the end times, wrapped in a nostalgic sonic blanket reminiscent of the genre’s greats, such as My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. The track’s ethereal melodies and textured layers express an intimate vulnerability, capturing the heart of frontman Steve’s renewed love for songwriting after a self-professed difficult period in his musical journey. It’s a song that invites you to sink in and dwell, resonating with the raw emotions of love, regret, and the human yearning for connection.
The journey of Lunavela, replete with sobriety and self-discovery, manifests in a collection of “bruised pop songs” that celebrate life’s complexities. This particular track stands as a testament to an artist who has found his groove again, demonstrating a remarkable ability to touch on deep and universal themes with an individual touch. With the upcoming album promising a mix of themes from sexuality to tearjerkers, “You know how you are, you know how I feel” sets an emotional tone that is both contemporary and timeless. A labor of love, self-funded and nurtured, this song shines as a proud statement from an artist returning to form, resonating with anyone who has ever felt lost, in love, or caught in the dance between the two.
Plane Station – “Heavy As Stone”
“Heavy As Stone” by Plane Station is a striking testament to the collaborative genius of siblings Nick and Brianna Chiapparino. It’s a song where raw acoustic elements mingle with the expansiveness of rock and folk, resulting in a track that feels at once intimate and sweeping. The Hudson Valley duo’s connection is palpable, as their harmonies rise and fall, echoing influences from Led Zeppelin to Hozier. Nick’s guitar or Brianna’s piano often takes the lead, guiding the listener through a sonic journey that explores depths of emotion, only to lift them to crescendos of passion and intensity. The melody is compelling, the lyrics poignant, and the duo’s performance on this track underscores their unique ability to oscillate between the whispered intimacy of a finger-picked guitar and the resonating power of lush instrumentation.
With “Heavy As Stone,” Plane Station reinforces their position as a potent force in the singer-songwriter realm, while fearlessly extending their sound into broader sonic territories. Building on the stripped-down aesthetic of their first album and the folk-laden soundscape of their second, this track showcases a duo matured and confident in their artistic identity. It’s a song that feels both grounded in its roots and daring in its exploration. In a time where authenticity often takes a back seat to production, Plane Station’s commitment to real emotion, organic collaboration, and an earnest exploration of love, change, and loss shines through. Their upcoming album, “Art or Content,” promises to be a continuation of this resonant journey, with “Heavy As Stone” serving as a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
Roland Dixon – “Suicide Kid”
Roland Dixon’s “Suicide Kid” is a haunting and introspective journey through alienation and self-discovery. Within its layers of slacker rock, indie vibes, and lo-fi production, the song is an unflinching narrative of a struggle to belong and a desperate search for what really matters. Dixon’s raw vocal delivery, reminiscent of Tom Waits, pairs seamlessly with the gritty instrumentals to create a sound that resonates with disquiet and longing. The lyrics are a poignant confession, giving voice to a universal feeling of being adrift, attempting to find meaning in a world that often seems indifferent. The dichotomy between the pursuit of desires and the loss of essentials forms the crux of this song, offering an introspective look into a soul torn and weathered by experience.
What sets “Suicide Kid” apart is its authenticity and emotional rawness. The textures of the song are rough, yet they are precisely what breathes life into Dixon’s storytelling. He doesn’t shy away from exposing the raw nerves of his soul, and his music stands as a candid exploration of the human condition. Fans of Bright Eyes will find familiar echoes in this track, but Dixon’s voice and style remain uniquely his own. “Suicide Kid” is more than a song; it’s a piece of art that wears its scars proudly, embracing them as essential facets of the human experience. It’s a track that lingers, compelling listeners to confront their own quests and questions, and therein lies its profound beauty.