B-Side Guys

In a genre as wide in scope as indie rock, it takes a truly singular vision to stand out from the crowd. Enter Glitter Etiquette, the New York-based outfit whose latest EP “Springfall” is less a collection of songs than it is a sonic odyssey through the tumultuous depths of the human experience. Drawing from a rich tapestry of influences ranging from the ferocious expressionism of post-punk to the dreamy textures of shoegaze, the band has crafted a work that feels both urgently of-the-moment and timelessly evocative.

From the opening notes of the title track, it’s clear that Glitter Etiquette is a band unafraid to take risks. “Springfall” is a dizzying, almost vertiginous composition that feels like a roller coaster ride through the psyche, with jagged guitar riffs and propulsive rhythms giving way to moments of eerie, almost unsettling calm. It’s a bold statement of intent, a declaration that this is a band that refuses to be pinned down by genre or convention.

And indeed, throughout the EP’s six tracks, Glitter Etiquette prove themselves to be master shape-shifters, effortlessly blending and subverting styles to create something wholly their own. On “Peas,” they channel the angular, art-rock experimentalism of bands like Black Country, New Road and Squid, with Naoki Warren’s vocals weaving a surreal, almost Dadaist narrative over a backdrop of skittering drums and dissonant guitar squalls. It’s a thrilling, unnerving listen, a reminder of the raw power of rock music to unsettle and provoke.

But for all their avant-garde proclivities, Glitter Etiquette never loses sight of the importance of melody and emotion. “Catherine” is a shimmering, almost celestial ballad that showcases the band’s more introspective side, with Warren’s vocals taking on an almost plaintive quality as he sings of love and loss over a bed of shimmering, reverb-drenched guitars. It’s a moment of stunning beauty amidst the chaos, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is still light to be found.

Elsewhere, the band pays homage to their musical heroes while still maintaining their own distinct identity. “As she…” is a swirling, psychedelic opus that recalls the dreamy textures of My Bloody Valentine and the Smashing Pumpkins, with Warren’s vocals drifting in and out of focus like a half-remembered dream. But even as they wear their influences proudly on their sleeves, Glitter Etiquette never feels derivative or unoriginal. Rather, they use these touchstones as jumping-off points for their own sonic explorations, crafting something that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.

The EP’s penultimate track, “25,” is a haunting, introspective composition that showcases Glitter Etiquette’s ability to create atmospheric soundscapes that feel both intimate and expansive. Warren’s vocals are at their most vulnerable here, the lyrics grappling with themes of aging, mortality, and the passage of time. It’s a stunning, emotionally raw moment that serves as a perfect encapsulation of the EP’s central themes.

And then there’s the EP’s closing track, a remix of “25” by the enigmatic producer Oby Wolf. It’s a bold choice, ending the record with a reinterpretation of an already stunning song. But in Wolf’s hands, “25” takes on a new life, with the producer’s electronic flourishes and glitchy beats adding a new layer of depth and complexity to the track. It’s a fitting end to an EP that feels like a constant exploration of new sonic territories, a reminder that even the most familiar songs can be transformed into something wholly new and unexpected.

Lyrically, “Springfall” is a work of stunning depth and complexity, with Warren’s poetic, often cryptic words painting vivid pictures of inner turmoil and existential yearning. On tracks like “Springfall” and “Peas,” he grapples with the weight of expectations and the fear of losing oneself in the face of societal pressures, his words tumbling out in a torrent of abstract imagery and fragmented thoughts. It’s a daring, uncompromising approach to songwriting, one that demands active engagement from the listener.

But perhaps what’s most striking about “Springfall” is the way it feels like a living, breathing document of a band in the throes of creative ferment. Throughout the EP, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and discovery, a feeling that Glitter Etiquette is pushing themselves to the very limits of their abilities and beyond. From the dizzying heights of “Springfall” to the haunting beauty of “Catherine,” this is a work that crackles with the energy of a band on the verge of something truly special.

In a world that often feels increasingly fractured and disconnected, “Springfall” is a powerful reminder of the ability of art to forge connections and inspire introspection. It’s a work that invites the listener to lose themselves in the beautiful chaos of the soul, to confront the darkest corners of their own psyche and emerge transformed. And in doing so, it cements Glitter Etiquette’s status as one of the most exciting and vital bands working in indie rock today.

So dive in, dear listener, and let yourself be swept away by the maelstrom of sound and emotion that is “Springfall.” This is an EP that demands to be experienced fully, with open ears and an open heart. It’s a journey that will leave you shaken, stirred, and ultimately exhilarated – a testament to the enduring power of rock music to move us, challenge us, and remind us of the infinite possibilities of the human spirit.