As the sun sets on another week, a new horizon of musical exploration dawns. BSideGuys.com is here to guide you through the fresh tracks emerging from the shadows of the mainstream. From the harmonious whispers of indie artists to the vibrant echoes of undiscovered chart-toppers, our Weekly New Releases will ensure your playlist stays ahead of the curve. Keep your finger on the pulse of the music world and join us every week for the latest auditory adventures. Dive in, and let the rhythms carry you away!
Ida Mae – “Feel The World Turning”
There’s a fine art to capturing the fleeting essence of life on the road, with its poignant intersections of isolation and connection. British indie-rock duo Ida Mae masterfully taps into this universal wanderlust with “Feel The World Turning.” A departure from the band’s typical kinetic indie-rock verve, the track evokes a sense of melancholic introspection, reveling in the tender fragility of human encounters. As its ethereal sonics envelop listeners, one cannot help but be transported to dimly lit bars and edge-of-the-highway motels, where the quiet hum of stories shared fills the void of night.
The heart of “Feel The World Turning” lies in its narrative richness – a reflection of Ida Mae’s genuine experiences journeying through remote terrains and ephemerally touching the lives of strangers. This soulful offering feels like a whispered confession, a humble hymn to transient connections and moments of genuine introspection amidst the relentless churn of time. It’s not just a song; it’s a distilled memory, an evocation of the delicate balance between peace and trepidation that defines the nomadic existence. With “Feel The World Turning,” Ida Mae weaves the delicate tapestry of the road-traveler’s psyche, beautifully laying the groundwork for their upcoming album, ‘Thunder Above You.’
Analog Dog – “All The Birds”
San Francisco’s Analog Dog, known for blending multi-genre influences with nostalgic yet forward-thinking flair, emerges with their latest single “All The Birds.” Rooted deeply in the timeworn textures of psychedelic rock, the track employs shimmering guitars and harmonious vocals, reminiscent of the Beach Boys, to deliver a poignant commentary on the climate crisis. “Clutch your pearls and take a bow,” the lyrics incisively point out, invoking a sense of urgency for change. The gravity of the subject is juxtaposed against lush musical soundscapes that sway between dreamy contemplation and a visceral call to action.
However, “All The Birds” isn’t just a standalone masterstroke; it’s a part of Analog Dog’s vibrantly eclectic LP ‘Color TV’. A journey that blurs the lines between the analog past and digital present, the album offers an intricate dance of genres – from psychedelic rock to synthy dance grooves, from indie moods to jazz fusion undertones. The record feels like flipping through high-definition channels, each song a vivid hue adding to a prismatic view of modern anxieties and hopes. Drawing inspiration from the sprawling sonic playground of Golden Gate Park and fueled by a mission to transcend the confines of contemporary ennui, Analog Dog not only makes music but crafts auditory experiences that reflect a world brimming with both challenges and beauty.
Kohla – “Golden”
Emerging with an unapologetic reverence for self-worth and the splendors of being adored, Kohla’s “Golden” is a shimmering testament to the standards one sets in love. Drawing inspiration from the time-honored allure of Marvin Gaye’s soulful cadences and blending it seamlessly with contemporary R&B finesse reminiscent of Frank Ocean and Sabrina Claudio, Kohla crafts a neo-soul narrative that is as radiant as it is deeply personal. Lyrics like “Just give me all of your emotion – like I’m golden,” balance a fine line between vulnerability and audacity, capturing the transformative journey of self-awareness and the unshaken demand for respect in love. The track is awash with a gospel tinge, with soulful vocal runs that accentuate the sense of sacral love; an emotion so profound that it renders both the lover and the beloved in a golden, effervescent glow.
Yet, “Golden” is more than just a single; it’s a reflection of Kohla’s spiritual and emotional odyssey towards self-realization. The song resonates with the confidence of someone who has done the inner work, coming to the epiphany of their own worth, and now seeks nothing less than to be revered as a deity in matters of the heart. When Kohla serenades “Ooh, I’m fucking glowing baby,” it is more than just a statement of radiant love; it’s an anthem of self-celebration, a tribute to the divine feminine energy, and a reminder that love, in its purest form, should always feel as luminous as gold. “Golden” serves as a promising precursor to her debut album ‘Romance’, suggesting a collection rich in passion, introspection, and the exquisite nuances of love.
CS Hellmann – “Postcards”
In a haunting reflection of unrequited love, CS Hellmann’s “Postcards” is a poignant ode to the vulnerabilities of unspoken feelings, heartbreak, and the complexities of emotions tangled with friendships. Drawing from a rich well of inspiration that spans from the ethereal sounds of U2 to the passionate rawness of Silversun Pickups, Hellmann channels a tortured tapestry of memories, regrets, and quiet hopes into his dark indie anthems. The track stands as a testimony to the art of translating profound pain into cathartic creation, capturing the essence of the song’s backstory: a delicate confession, a rejection, and a dignified farewell note left with flowers on a porch.
CS Hellmann’s musical journey is painted with rich and varied strokes, from the early notes of The Beatles and 60’s girl groups echoing from car radios and basement vinyl players, to the guitar wizardry of rock legends that guided his own six-stringed pursuits. His unique experiences, from the highs of sold-out shows and notable producer collaborations to the lows of burnouts and battling bipolar depression, culminate in a sound that is charged with emotional intensity. “Postcards,” with its deeply personal narrative, encapsulates Hellmann’s evolution both as an artist and an individual, marking a significant entry in the discography of a Nashville songwriter who once rediscovered his passion amid personal turbulence. The track reminds us that even in the darkest chapters, there is beauty to be found in the raw honesty of music.
Hoagie – “The Karaoke Legend”
Stepping onto the stage with raw authenticity, Hoagie’s “The Karaoke Legend” offers a heartening tribute to an often overlooked, unsung hero – the local karaoke enthusiast. With a songwriting prowess reminiscent of Father John Misty and the quintessential alt-Americana energy of R.E.M., Dave Holgado – the driving force behind Hoagie – crafts an ode that treads the line between melancholic and celebratory. The track dives deep into the heart of the passion-driven, embracing the essence of music even in seemingly trivial pursuits, reminding listeners of the joys of uninhibited self-expression. Rich in texture, the song gains its weight from Shane Luckenbaugh’s poignant drumming, Steven Murillo’s harmonious background vocals, and the soulful trumpet notes from Rick Rein, all under the masterful production guidance of Joe Michelini.
Emerging from Portland’s verdant musical scene, Hoagie’s debut album “Other Folks” promises an eclectic blend of wit, nostalgia, and alt-Americana flair. The album, described as a rock opera, showcases Dave’s brilliant knack for storytelling through tongue-in-cheek lyrics, sketching out characters and narratives that resonate with life’s quirks and contradictions. “The Karaoke Legend” serves as a melodic anchor amidst the stormy seas of defiant anthems and introspective ballads. The album is an open book, flipping through pages of rebellion, acceptance, conflict, hope, and the infinite hues of human connection. Bearing similarities to the likes of Wilco and Ben Folds Five, Hoagie’s debut is set to carve a niche, whether as a playful post-modern power pop gem or a heartfelt journey into the complexities of navigating adult life. Await the unveiling this September 29th, for Hoagie is about to send ripples through the waters of contemporary Americana.
Bear, Man Dangerous – “American War”
Infusing the unapologetic intensity of The Jesus Lizard with the grand, cinematic ambience of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Bear, Man Dangerous’s “American War” emerges as an incendiary exploration of modern societal dissonance. Lyrically drawn from Omar El Akkad’s haunting dystopia, the song is not just a reflection but a harrowing prediction, delving into the darkness of America’s soul and laying bare its tribalism, inequality, and pervasive discontent. Each lyric, from the “Florida man’s burning all these books” to the repeated cries of “Icarus killed us all,” serves as a visceral reminder of the cyclical nature of history and the perils of flying too close to the sun of one’s own hubris.
The track, unrelenting in its portrayal of a society at the precipice, delves into the very essence of what it means to be “safe” in an age of uncertainty. Is safety merely the act of distancing oneself from the chaos, or does it require a more proactive stance against the encroaching threats of division and loss? The repeated line “Everybody’s fighting American War” is a chilling testament to the universality of conflict, both internal and external, and the human cost of perpetual strife. As listeners are guided through a landscape of paranoia, desperation, and reflection, Bear, Man Dangerous holds up a mirror to the simmering tensions of contemporary America, urging introspection, recognition, and ultimately, change. Amidst the sonic maelstrom, the song stands as both a warning and a lament, urging listeners to remember the lessons of the past before they become the tragedies of the future.