B-Side Guys

Welcome to this week’s edition of Weekly New Releases on BsideGuys.com! As the seasons shift and the air buzzes with change, so does the landscape of music with an eclectic mix of fresh tracks and albums waiting to be discovered. This week, we’ve curated a compelling selection from a wide range of genres, showcasing both emerging talents and seasoned artists who continue to push the boundaries of their craft. From the introspective echoes of indie folk to the pulsating rhythms of electronic beats, there’s a multitude of sonic adventures to embark upon. So, whether you’re looking for the comfort of familiar tunes or the thrill of new sounds, join us on this auditory journey as we explore the latest and greatest in the world of music. Let’s dive into the melodies and rhythms that are defining this week in music!

Joan & the Giants – “BEG”

Joan & The Giants, the indie rock sensation from Boorloo, have once again captured the essence of emotional turmoil and the complexities of love with their latest single “Beg.” As the band garners acclaim, with an impressive seven nominations at the WA Music Awards, “Beg” arrives not just as a song but as an emotional catharsis. It’s a track that encapsulates the agonizing moment of ultimatum in a relationship, where the air thickens with desperation and unrequited love seems to hover like an unmovable fog. Grace Newton-Wordsworth’s voice, drenched in a raw, emotional vibrato, acts as a beacon through this fog, with her passionate delivery echoing the inner turmoil of holding onto a love that might be slipping away. The band’s signature sound, characterized by its fuzzy guitars and rich synths, provides a perfect canvas for this heart-wrenching narrative, crescendoing into a fervency that’s as captivating as it is poignant.

On the flip side, the B-side “Narcissist” offers a more introspective and stripped-back experience. It’s a testament to the band’s versatility, showcasing their ability to dial back the indie-rock fervor to create a space where Grace’s songwriting and emotive vocals take the spotlight. The simplicity of the arrangement in “Narcissist” enhances the vulnerability and rawness of the lyrics, making it a perfect companion piece to “Beg.” The track emerged from a swift, almost spontaneous creative process, and this organic origin is palpable in its delivery. As it was recorded in just one or two takes, there’s an authenticity and immediacy to “Narcissist” that resonates deeply. Joan & The Giants continue to prove their mettle as artists who not only understand the intricate layers of human emotions but also know how to translate them into music that touches the soul. “Beg” and “Narcissist” are not just songs; they are experiences, inviting listeners to journey through love, heartbreak, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Bruce James – “Recycled Plastic”

Bruce James’ latest track, “Recycled Plastic,” is an intriguing concoction of grunge and electronic elements, carving out a unique space in the indie rock landscape. The song strikes with its arpeggiated synths and distorted vocals, crafting an atmosphere that feels both otherworldly and intimately familiar. James’ commitment to forging his own sound is evident; the track shuns derivative tendencies, instead opting for a bold sonic exploration that feels refreshingly original. The grungy texture of the music, combined with the electronic undercurrents, creates a dynamic tension that propels the song forward, making it both epic and energetically charged.

Lyrically, “Recycled Plastic” delves into themes of isolation and the relentless passage of time, encapsulated in lines like “Pretend to be alone / Press play on your cellular phone.” The lyrics paint a vivid picture of modern-day disconnection, where even in solitude, one is never truly alone, thanks to the ever-present digital companionship. This sense of alienation is further amplified in the lines “It’s been hard since I felt like I’ve died / And I just can’t stop won’t stop just please stop the time,” suggesting a longing for pause and reflection in a world that’s constantly moving. The song’s distorted vocal treatment enhances this feeling of being overwhelmed, almost as if the voice is fighting to be heard over the chaos of the digital age. “Recycled Plastic” is not just a track but a commentary on the contemporary human experience, delivered through a unique blend of sounds that are as thought-provoking as they are engaging.

Jen Hawley – “Sic Vita”

Jen Hawley’s “Sic Vita,” a track off her forthcoming album ‘Fragile,’ is a testament to the transformative power of setting poetry to music. In this piece, Hawley breathes new life into William Stanley Braithwaite’s early 20th-century poem, creating a musical landscape that is as vibrant as it is contemplative. The choice of Braithwaite’s poem, which delves into the multifaceted nature of human existence, is particularly poignant. Hawley’s interpretation is not just a mere recitation; it’s an exploration, an expansion of Braithwaite’s words into a universe of sound. Her approach to the poem—acknowledging both the beauty and the tragedy inherent in life—resonates deeply, offering a rich, jangle pop-infused soundscape that is both uplifting and deeply reflective.

The production of “Sic Vita” showcases Hawley’s multifaceted talents as a musician. Her vocals, piano, and trumpet work blend seamlessly with the contributions of her collaborators, including the poignant violin of Jeremie Hamilton. The song’s arrangement is a delicate balance of simplicity and complexity, mirroring the poem’s exploration of life’s straightforward joys and profound sorrows. Hawley’s voice, in particular, carries the weight and wonder of the lyrics with a clarity and warmth that draws the listener into the heart of the poem. The track stands as a highlight in ‘Fragile,’ an album that promises to be a moving journey through grief and hope. In “Sic Vita,” Hawley does more than put music to poetry; she invites us into a shared experience of beauty and understanding, reminding us that the ebb and flow of happiness and sorrow are not just aspects of life but are what make it profoundly beautiful.