Dive deep with us as we traverse the musical cosmos, unearthing hidden gems and spotlighting the latest and greatest tracks that have graced our ears. Whether you’re searching for the pulse of indie vibes, the heartbeat of electric beats, or the soothing hum of acoustic melodies, we’ve got you covered. Every week, we curate a selection that serves both the audiophile and the casual listener. From emerging artists to chart-topping legends, this is your one-stop destination to discover music that’s begging to be heard. So, grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and let’s journey through sound together. Welcome to the pulse of the underground—welcome to B-Side Guys.
Sea Glass and Sky Adler – “Lay Back”
From the textured, lustrous landscape of New York’s bustling streets emerges a sound that is both familiar yet distinctively refreshing. Sea Glass, the project helmed by the city-based producer Jake Muskat, taps into a collective consciousness of growing pains and dreams deferred with his latest offering, “Lay Back.” There’s an authentic gravitas to the track, stemming from Muskat’s own personal journey and inspired by the seismic shift of becoming a parent. The lyrics play like an intimate journal entry, a dialogue of self-awareness that juxtaposes escapism (“I get high to get away from me”) with introspection and vulnerability (“You could make love to me, But you’ll never solve ’em”). The song’s sonic space sits comfortably between the soulful grooves of Leon Bridges and the eclectic stylings of Rex Orange County, yet Sea Glass manages to carve out an identity all his own.
A sentiment echoed through channels such as Indie Shuffle and The Wild Honey Pie, Sea Glass’ sound holds a magnifying glass to the human experience, zeroing in on moments of introspection, desire, and the sometimes turbulent ride of self-discovery. In “Lay Back,” the exploration of wanting to run from oneself, only to confront the undeniable truth of personal demons, is delivered with such earnestness, it’s impossible not to be captivated. Sea Glass’s collaborative endeavor with Sky Adler on this track seamlessly marries these profound lyrical sentiments with an instrumental depth, pushing forward a narrative that is both melancholic and hopeful. The resultant track hints at the broader depth and potential of the upcoming debut LP, which, if it follows the path set by “Lay Back,” is bound to be a touchstone for listeners navigating their own life’s maze.
Galvo – “Maybe”
From the gritty streets of 1980s Ballymun to the aromatic, sun-soaked pathways of Spain, Galvo’s journey has been anything but linear. This Dublin-bred artist has absorbed every ounce of his tumultuous past and alchemized it into the profound balladry of his new single, “Maybe”. A track infused with the deep melancholy of missed connections and “what could have been” moments, “Maybe” underscores the transformative power of songwriting as a vessel for catharsis. The song’s poignant instrumentation—those steadfast strings and resonant percussion—meld effortlessly with Galvo’s emotive vocals, painting a vivid tapestry of yearning and acceptance. The accompanying video, with its vivid hues and palpable nostalgia, further drives home the weight of the track, making for an experience that’s both aurally and visually stirring.
Galvo’s life narrative reads like the lyrics of a song, filled with its fair share of trials, travels, and triumphs. A testament to his resilience, he channels adversity into art, using music as a lifeline through bouts of homelessness and personal challenges. His time in Spain and the influence of alternative rock band, September Sun, are evident in “Maybe,” reflecting a blend of melancholic indie-folk with the tender resonances of acoustic balladry. However, it’s Galvo’s idiosyncratic guitar style, born of adversity and innovation, playing a right-handed guitar upside-down, that adds a unique touch to his already distinctive sound. With “Maybe” heralding the imminent arrival of his debut album, The HeARTist, Galvo’s narrative and the emotional landscapes of his music seem poised to capture the hearts of listeners worldwide. In Galvo’s world, every hardship is a note, every triumph a melody, coming together in harmonious symphony.
King Khan & Miranda and the Beat – “Never Hold Back”
King Khan’s collaboration with Miranda Zipse of Miranda and the Beat on “Never Hold Back” reveals a profound synchronicity between a storied artist and a new collaborator, manifesting a musical tapestry rich in socio-political commentary and personal narratives. While the genesis of the track might be a serendipitous late-night in Germany filled with shared music and the warming embrace of German beer, the resulting piece conveys a resonance that transcends borders and time. With the track rooted in the poignant history surrounding Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Zipse’s rendition—her slight lyrical alteration—adds a layer of empowerment to the already powerful narrative, shifting focus from the melancholic inertia of “Never Hold On” to the spirited resilience of “Never Hold Back”. John B. Smith’s assertion that Khan’s music can illuminate the darkest corners, giving voice to the unheard, truly encapsulates the essence of this song.
Grounded in the backdrop of the documentary The Invaders, which chronicles the dramatic ebbs and flows of a militant black power group from the ’60s, the track is a testament to the timeless relevance of civil rights struggles. King Khan’s decision to compose the entire soundtrack “blind,” without the visual aid of the film’s imagery, proves to be an inspired one, leading to serendipitous alignments that brim with authenticity. When juxtaposed against Khan’s evocative descriptions of his process, “Never Hold Back” emerges as a beacon, a fiery arrow of neo-soul and retro soul, embedded with the grit of indie rock and the legacy of activism. As Khan’s music straddles eras, it serves as a rallying cry for contemporary listeners, reminding them of past battles and the timeless truth that the struggle for justice, understanding, and unity must never waver.
The Joy Formidable – “Cut Your Face”
The Welsh alt-rock juggernaut, The Joy Formidable, makes a triumphant return with “Cut Your Face,” an impassioned reflection on vulnerability and the relentless desire for authentic connection. In a world where many often disguise their imperfections, lead vocalist Ritzy Bryan’s poignant message advocates for embracing the messy, imperfect facets of our lives, emphasizing the beauty that lies therein. The raw energy of Bryan’s vocals, juxtaposed against the compelling rhythms of bassist Rhydian Dafydd and drummer Matt Thomas, gives this track an undeniable dynamism. The band’s signature blend of indie and alternative rock, with its intricate guitar riffs and captivating melodies, imbues the song with a sense of introspective urgency that resonates deeply.
Emerging from the critical acclaim of their 2021 album “Into The Blue,” this new single marks the start of a tantalizing trio of releases scheduled for the year. “Cut Your Face” acts as both a reminder of The Joy Formidable’s steadfast presence in the alt-rock landscape and a herald of the evolutions to come. Their unique bond with their fanbase, evident in their innovative TJF Music Club, only underscores their dedication to remaining engaged and accessible, regardless of geography. With a confirmed tour in the UK and a highly anticipated return to North America on the horizon, it’s evident that The Joy Formidable continue to cut through the noise, challenging listeners to face their truths with raw authenticity.
charliecomehome & Dage – “Femme Fatale”
In the electrifying realm of progressive R&B, the alliance of charliecomehome and Dage births a masterpiece entitled “Femme Fatale.” This debut single deftly traverses the expansive musical territory carved out by the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote and Stevie Wonder, merging complex arrangements with unforgettable hooks. From the opening lines, “Her bright eyes light up the room,” the song paints the portrait of an enigmatic, self-assured woman, epitomized in the repeated motif, “Let me get a glimpse of your fantasy.” The sonic landscape, punctuated by a radiant saxophone solo, is reminiscent of Moonchild and Joy Crookes’ melodic storytelling. Its pulsating rhythm invites listeners to sway and lose themselves in its danceable grooves, catering to a spectrum of R&B enthusiasts.
Lyrically, “Femme Fatale” is a fervent homage to a strong, confident woman who commands respect and adoration. The central figure of the song is unapologetically self-reliant, working her 9 to 5, immune to fleeting romances. Phrases like “The whole town knows” and “She controls the weather” amplify her omnipresence and influence. Amid the narrative, there’s an evident yearning, with lines like “I’m running out of time, so just make it quick” echoing the urgency to understand and be near this mesmerizing force. The juxtaposition of raw emotion with an upbeat musical backdrop creates a captivating tension, solidifying “Femme Fatale” as a definitive anthem in contemporary R&B.
East Harbor – “Away From You”
East Harbor’s “Away From You” is an anthemic testament to the band’s infectious alt-pop prowess. Seamlessly blending elements from rock and indie, this South Florida quartet has produced an electrifying track that effuses a sense of 80s summer nostalgia, layered with contemporary sonic nuances reminiscent of industry titans like Harry Styles and Maroon 5. The track’s pulsating rhythm coupled with its indelible vocals transports listeners straight to a neon-lit dance floor, the kind where memories are made and forgotten in the span of a single night.
Lyrically, “Away From You” navigates the tumultuous waters of a relationship characterized by doubt and distance. The song kicks off with a vulnerable plea, “If you got a second, A second for me,” before swiftly spiraling into a recount of a love imbued with uncertainty. The lines, “I worry about the things that you’re gonna do” and “I worry about it everyday something new,” paint a picture of anxiety, revealing a protagonist trapped in an emotional limbo, constantly speculating about their partner’s actions in their absence. Yet, it’s not all melancholy—there’s an undercurrent of empowerment, echoed in the affirmation that they’re not “lookin’ to save ya” and their unwavering determination to prioritize self-worth over a tumultuous love. The track’s fervent chorus, with its repetitive mantra of “When I’m away from you,” conveys a sentiment many can relate to: the simultaneous relief and apprehension felt when distancing oneself from a chaotic relationship. The culmination of East Harbor’s signature electric guitar leads, effervescent synths, and evocative lyrics solidify “Away From You” as not just a song, but an experience, an encapsulation of modern love’s complexities.
Zach Day – “New York”
In the saturated landscape of modern folk, few songs strike a chord as profoundly resonant as Zach Day’s “New York.” Under the deft production hands of Hana Elion from Overcoats, Day crafts a poignant ode to patience in love, artfully weaving the universal sentiment into a tapestry of tender melodies and introspective lyrics. The themes of longing and hopeful anticipation are palpable, suggesting the vast distances (both emotional and geographical) one might traverse for a love with boundless potential.
Zach Day’s unique upbringing in the secluded corners of Kentucky imbues a raw authenticity to his work. Every note and lyric feels like an echo from a past carved from humble beginnings, self-taught artistry, and a voracious appetite for varied musical influences. This passionate genesis of Day’s musical journey is evident as he channels the haunting intimacy of Bon Iver, the lyrical vulnerability of Phoebe Bridgers, and the narrative elegance of Taylor Swift. What sets Day apart, however, is the distinctive timbre of his voice; a soul-bearing instrument that tells stories of years spent poring over legendary vocalists, and hours skipped from school in pursuit of his craft. “New York” isn’t just a song, but a culmination of a young artist’s devotion to his art, a poignant testament to his journey from the backwoods of Kentucky to the vast expanse of emotions that make up the human experience.