B-Side Guys

Athens-based band The Bonnie Nettles have been making waves in the indie rock scene since their formation in 2016, and their single “Saristra” is a testament to their evolving sound and growing prowess. Named after the psychedelic/noise festival held annually on the Greek island of Kefalonia, “Saristra” is a dreamy, light-drenched ode to the sun that perfectly encapsulates the band’s penchant for crafting immersive, atmospheric soundscapes.

From the opening notes, “Saristra” envelops the listener in a hazy, slightly stoned aura. The layered guitars shimmer and swirl, creating a lush tapestry of sound that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive. The bass, chunky yet fluid, provides a pulsing backbone to the track, propelling it forward with a hypnotic, almost trance-like groove. It’s the kind of song that demands to be experienced with eyes closed and headphones on, transportingthe listener to a sun-soaked beach where the worries of the world melt away like ice cream on a hot summer day.

Lyrically, “Saristra” is a celebration of the simple joys of basking in the sun’s rays. The Bonnie Nettles’ vocals, drenched in reverb and echo, feel like a whisper from a distant dream, urging the listener to let go of their inhibitions and surrender to the moment. It’s a sentiment that feels particularly poignant in the context of the song’s March 2020 release, just as the world was beginning to grapple with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time of uncertainty and fear, “Saristra” serves as a much-needed reminder of the healing power of nature and the importance of finding moments of joy and tranquility wherever we can.

For fans of The Bonnie Nettles, “Saristra” is yet another example of the band’s uncanny ability to craft songs that feel both timeless and urgently of the moment. With its lush instrumentation, dreamy vocals, and sun-worshipping lyrics, the track is a perfect distillation of the band’s sound and a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come on their highly-anticipated debut album.

Ultimately, “Saristra” is a song that demands to be experienced rather than simply listened to. It’s a portal to a world of hazy, sun-drenched bliss, a sonic oasis in a time of chaos and uncertainty. And as The Bonnie Nettles continue to evolve and refine their sound, it’s clear that they are a band on the cusp of something truly special. If “Saristra” is any indication, their forthcoming debut album is sure to be a landmark release in the world of indie rock, and a testament to the enduring power of music to transport us to a better place, even if only for a few fleeting moments.