B-Side Guys

Well, well, well, my intrepid sonic explorers – it seems we’ve stumbled upon another glorious Friday, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to dive headfirst into the tantalizing abyss of this week’s most scintillating new indie releases.

As always, we here at bsideguys.com have taken it upon ourselves to scour the darkest corners of the musical universe, braving the choppy waters of Bandcamp obscurity and SoundCloud purgatory to bring you only the most essential cuts. From bedroom-recorded dream pop to garage-bred post-punk, from glitchy experimental electronic to heartfelt singer-songwriter fare, we’ve got it all – and then some.

But be warned, dear reader: this is not a journey for the faint of heart. The tracks we’ve assembled here are not mere toe-tappers or background fodder for your morning commute. No, these are songs that demand your full attention, that grab you by the lapels and shake you until you’re seeing stars. These are the tracks that will haunt your dreams and invade your waking hours, the earworms that will burrow deep into your cerebral cortex and refuse to let go.

So strap on your headphones, lock the door, and prepare to have your mind well and truly blown. This is the bsideguys.com “Weekly New Releases” roundup – your one-stop shop for the most daring, innovative, and downright electrifying indie music of the moment. Let’s dive in, shall we?

French Cassettes – “Megabus”

San Francisco-based indie rockers French Cassettes have a knack for crafting irresistibly catchy tunes that lodge themselves in your brain and refuse to let go. Their latest single, “Megabus,” is no exception – a shimmering slice of power pop perfection that showcases the band’s gift for marrying infectious melodies with introspective lyrics.

Inspired by a cocktail-fueled bus ride to Sacramento, “Megabus” finds vocalist Scott Huerta grappling with themes of guilt, trust, and the complexities of human connection. “Who do you love? / Who’s getting drunk on the Megabus? / And who do you trust? / Who’s putting up with that side of us?” he sings, his voice equal parts wry and wistful. It’s a lyrical approach that balances vulnerability and self-awareness, inviting the listener to reflect on their own relationships and the walls we sometimes build around ourselves.

Musically, “Megabus” is a masterclass in jangly, hook-laden indie pop. The guitars shimmer and chime, the rhythms are propulsive yet laid-back, and the harmonies are positively luminous. It’s the kind of song that feels custom-built for lazy summer afternoons and long road trips with the windows down – a perfect distillation of French Cassettes’ sun-drenched, effortlessly cool sound. With “Megabus,” the band has delivered yet another indie pop gem that’s sure to be on repeat for months to come.

David C Clements – “Reckless”

After an eight-year hiatus, Northern Irish indie-rock innovator David C Clements has made a spectacular return with his new single “Reckless.” The track, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in Clements’ musical journey, is a euphoric and emotive offering that showcases his distinctive voice and songwriting prowess.

“Reckless” is an all-encompassing song about love, exploring the highs, lows, and everyday joys of being in a relationship. The track’s origins lie in a serendipitous moment when Clements moved his childhood upright piano into his house and began playing a guitar riff he had stumbled upon during a soundcheck. The combination of the piano’s resonance and the guitar melody created a captivating mood, allowing the song to flow effortlessly. The result is a rich and majestic sound that builds to a stunning crescendo, with Clements’ powerful vocals soaring above the instrumentation.

Since the release of his debut album “The Longest Day In History” in 2016, which featured his breakthrough hit “My Dear Mother,” Clements has established himself as one of Northern Ireland’s most remarkable talents. His unique ability to craft epic and ethereal musical offerings has led him to perform in awe-inspiring locations, from the cliff-top Mussenden Temple to Belfast’s Central Church, where his annual Christmas show has become a beloved tradition. With “Reckless,” David C Clements reminds us of his extraordinary gift for creating music that touches the soul and leaves an indelible mark on the listener.

Say Anything – “ON CUM”

Max Bemis and his merry band of emo-punk provocateurs are back with a vengeance, and they’re not pulling any punches. “ON CUM,” the second single from Say Anything’s upcoming album “…Is Committed,” is a blistering, no-holds-barred assault on the senses that proves the band hasn’t lost an ounce of their signature snark or sonic ferocity.

From the opening salvo of crunchy power chords and pummeling drums, it’s clear that “ON CUM” is a song designed to be played at eardrum-shattering volumes. Bemis’ vocals, equal parts sneering and sincere, cut through the maelstrom with laser-like precision, delivering a barrage of pop-culture references and self-deprecating one-liners that would make even the most jaded emo kid crack a smile. The song’s second verse, in particular, is a master class in controlled chaos, with the band launching into a full-on NOFX-style thrash attack that’s sure to incite mosh pits and crowd-surfing galore.

But beneath the song’s brash exterior lies a surprising depth of emotion and vulnerability. As the track builds to its climax, Bemis delivers a line that’s sure to become an instant classic among Say Anything diehards: “I’m Brandon Boyd-ing out in this son of a bitch.” It’s a moment of pure, unfiltered catharsis, a primal scream against the absurdities and indignities of modern life. With “ON CUM,” Say Anything has crafted a raucous, emo-infused punk banger that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt – a perfect distillation of the band’s unique blend of humor, angst, and raw, unbridled energy.

Gooseberry – “Kikiyon”

Brooklyn-based trio Gooseberry has never been a band to shy away from tackling weighty subjects, and their latest single, “Kikiyon,” is no exception. With its blistering guitar riffs, pounding rhythms, and impassioned vocals, the track is a searing indictment of judgmental attitudes and the imposition of personal beliefs onto others, delivered with all the raw power and intensity of the grunge greats that came before them.

Drawing on his personal connection to Jewish culture, vocalist and guitarist Asa Daniels uses “Kikiyon” as a vehicle to explore the complexities of identity and autonomy in an increasingly polarized world. Against the backdrop of escalating tensions surrounding Jewish identity and politics, Daniels and his bandmates channel their righteous anger into a blistering sonic assault that recalls the best of Nirvana and Soundgarden. “My faith—or something approximating it—may come and go, but in the end, we’re just dirt and worms,” Daniels says when reflecting on the track. It’s a powerful statement of self-determination in the face of oppressive forces, both internal and external.

But for all its heavy themes and explosive musicality, “Kikiyon” never loses sight of the importance of humor and levity. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Charlie Hull, is a gleefully absurd lo-fi romp that serves as the perfect counterpoint to the track’s weighty subject matter. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s still room for laughter and self-deprecation – a sentiment perfectly encapsulated by Daniels’ tongue-in-cheek quip, “The minute we take ourselves too seriously, we die.” With “Kikiyon,” Gooseberry has crafted a grunge-fueled anthem of defiance that’s as thought-provoking as it is mosh-pit-inducing, cementing their status as one of the most vital and uncompromising bands in the Brooklyn indie rock scene.

Ben Senses – “XC”

Ben Senses, the Washington, D.C.-based emo and post-hardcore artist, has never been one to shy away from baring his soul on record. But with his latest single, “XC,” he takes that vulnerability to new heights, delivering a track that is as emotionally raw as it is musically explosive.

“XC” is a song about the kind of heartbreak that feels like a physical blow, the kind that leaves you reeling and gasping for air. Senses’ lyrics paint a vivid picture of young love gone wrong, of two “cold kids” who once ran together but now find themselves on opposite sides of an emotional chasm. “Forgot to send a postcard of San Diego in the summertime,” Senses sings, his voice cracking with the weight of unspoken regrets. “So I’m flying out to see it, I’m flying out to see what we’ve become.” It’s a sentiment that will ring painfully true for anyone who has ever watched a once-promising relationship crumble under the weight of distance and time.

But even in the midst of this emotional maelstrom, Senses finds glimmers of hope and resilience. The song’s bridge is a rallying cry for self-care and perseverance, urging listeners to “pace yourself” and “face yourself” in the face of life’s challenges. “The things in life you hope for are coming,” Senses insists, his voice rising to a fever pitch over a surge of churning guitars and pummeling drums. It’s a moment of catharsis and release, a reminder that even the deepest wounds can heal with time and effort. With “XC,” Ben Senses has crafted a post-hardcore anthem that doesn’t just wallow in despair, but fights tooth and nail for a better tomorrow.

Josh One – “This Far”

Josh One, the boundary-pushing producer and DJ known for his genre-blurring forays into hip-hop, trip-hop, and house, has done it again. His latest offering, “This Far,” is an instrumental track that oozes with atmospheric, cinematic vibes, showcasing the artist’s uncanny ability to create immersive soundscapes that transport the listener to another realm entirely.

From the first notes, “This Far” envelops you in a hazy, noir-tinged world of shadowy beats and ethereal textures. The track’s foundation is a slow-burning, trip-hop-inflected groove that slinks and slithers like wisps of smoke in a darkened alley. Layered atop this hypnotic rhythm are shimmering synths, ghostly samples, and delicate piano flourishes that add depth and dimension to the proceedings. It’s the kind of sonic alchemy that calls to mind the brooding, experimental work of artists like DJ Shadow and Gorillaz, but with Josh One’s signature “futuristic-vintage” twist.

What’s most impressive about “This Far” is the way it tells a story without uttering a single word. Through its masterful arrangement and evocative production, the track conjures up vivid images and emotions, inviting the listener to project their own narrative onto the music. It’s the mark of a true craftsman, someone who understands that sometimes the most powerful statements are the ones that are left unspoken. With “This Far,” Josh One has created a piece of art that is both timeless and utterly of the moment, a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most innovative and original voices in electronic music today.

Kai Bosch – “Wishbone”

In the world of alt-pop, few artists are as unafraid to delve into the messy, painful realities of love and heartbreak as Kai Bosch. With his latest EP, “Love, Throw Me A Bone,” the London-based singer-songwriter has crafted a devastatingly beautiful collection of songs that chronicle the end of a tumultuous relationship with his ex-boyfriend. And nowhere is that raw, unflinching honesty more apparent than on the EP’s standout track, “Wishbone.”

Stripping away his usual lush production and sonic flourishes, Bosch delivers a simple, piano-led ballad that cuts straight to the heart of the matter. His vocals, aching with vulnerability and tinged with a hint of bittersweet nostalgia, paint a vivid picture of a love that has run its course, but still lingers in the memory. “Despite so much of this whole EP coming from a place of anger, yearning and heartbreak, this is probably the song I still relate to most looking back on this relationship in hindsight,” Bosch explains. It’s a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who has ever found themselves grappling with the complex emotions that come with the end of a significant relationship.

But what sets “Wishbone” apart is the way it refuses to wallow in despair or bitterness. Instead, Bosch uses the song as a vehicle to express gratitude for the moments of light and love that he shared with his ex, even as he acknowledges the pain of their parting. “It’s a love song for someone you can’t hold anymore,” he says, and that sense of bittersweet appreciation suffuses every note of the track. With its stripped-down instrumentation and raw, confessional lyrics, “Wishbone” is a testament to Bosch’s skill as a songwriter and his willingness to lay bare his most intimate experiences in the service of his art. It’s a song that will linger long after the final notes have faded away, a reminder of the enduring power of love and the beauty that can be found even in the midst of heartbreak.

Zoe Kilgren – “Can’t Do This Anymore”

Zoë Kilgren’s latest single, “Can’t Do This Anymore,” is a searing, unflinching exploration of the pain and trauma of growing up with an abusive parent. Through a potent blend of grunge-inspired guitars, pounding drums, and raw, visceral lyrics, Kilgren channels her anguish into a defiant act of self-preservation, crafting an anthem for anyone who has ever had to cut ties with a toxic relationship.

Kilgren’s vocals are the driving force behind “Can’t Do This Anymore,” alternating between moments of vulnerability and explosive rage. Lines like “Weak stomach, quick glances, inherited shit chances, walk away from everything you love” capture the gut-wrenching reality of escaping an abusive situation, while the chorus’ repeated refrain of “I can’t do this anymore” serves as a powerful affirmation of personal boundaries and self-respect. The song’s aggressive, in-your-face composition perfectly matches the intensity of Kilgren’s lyrics, evoking the spirit of 90s alt-rock and riot grrrl bands like Nirvana.

But what makes “Can’t Do This Anymore” truly stand out is the way it transforms pain into empowerment. By sharing her own deeply personal experiences, Kilgren creates a space for others to confront their own trauma and reclaim their agency. The song’s relentless energy and cathartic release feel like a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt trapped or silenced by abuse, a reminder that there is strength in vulnerability and power in speaking your truth. With “Can’t Do This Anymore,” Zoë Kilgren has crafted a scorching, unforgettable anthem that will resonate with survivors and allies alike.

Savanna Leigh – “mason street”

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Savanna Leigh has never shied away from vulnerability in her music, but with her latest single, “mason street,” she takes that raw honesty to new depths. The song, which Leigh wrote entirely on her own, is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the pain and confusion that comes with outgrowing past versions of yourself and the relationships that defined them.

Over a sparse backdrop of acoustic guitar and strings, Leigh’s glacial, uniquely emotive vocals take center stage, painting a vivid picture of a young woman grappling with the realization that her best days may be behind her. “When you’re at a stage in your life where you don’t recognize who you are anymore, a place where you feel like the best days are behind you, and the best parts of you are dormant,” Leigh explains of the song’s inspiration. “It’s scary when you don’t know how to access those good parts or even bring them back.” The lyrics are a testament to Leigh’s gift for translating deeply personal experiences into universally relatable sentiments, capturing the ache of nostalgia and the fear of an uncertain future with devastating clarity.

But what makes “mason street” truly remarkable is the way it transforms pain into catharsis. By baring her soul so openly and honestly, Leigh creates a safe space for listeners to confront their own struggles with self-reflection and personal growth. The song’s minimalist production and understated melody serve to heighten the emotional impact of Leigh’s words, drawing the listener into a world of quiet introspection and hard-won wisdom. With “mason street,” Savanna Leigh has crafted a song that feels like a lifeline for anyone who has ever felt lost or disconnected from themselves, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is still beauty and hope to be found.