B-Side Guys

In the world of post-hardcore and alternative rock, few artists are as adept at blurring the lines between genres as M@. The solo project of former Vision of Disorder guitarist Matt Baumbach, M@ is a testament to the power of unbridled creativity and the cathartic release of making music for the sheer joy of it. And nowhere is that more evident than on “Evil Town,” a haunting, introspective track that grapples with the darkness of one’s own mind and the desperate need to break free from its clutches.

From the opening notes, “Evil Town” envelops the listener in a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere, with Baumbach’s vocals drifting over a sparse, almost minimalist instrumental backdrop. The lyrics are a stark, unflinching portrayal of someone who knows they’re in a bad place but is determined to find a way out. “Gotta get up in the morning sun / There’s still so much work to be done,” Baumbach sings, his voice a mixture of weariness and steely resolve. “I’m not born again / But I might as well be, my friend.”

As the song progresses, the instrumentation slowly builds in intensity, with layers of guitar and percussion creating a sense of mounting tension and unease. By the time Baumbach reaches the chorus, the music has exploded into a cathartic burst of energy, with the repeated refrain of “Evil town, my oh my, I cry” serving as both a lament and a battle cry. It’s a moment of raw, unfiltered emotion, a glimpse into the mind of someone who knows they’re fighting an uphill battle but refuses to give up.

What sets “Evil Town” apart from other tracks in the post-hardcore and alternative rock genres is the way it balances its darker themes with a sense of hope and resilience. Even as Baumbach grapples with the weight of his own demons, there’s an underlying sense of determination and purpose that runs through the song like a current. “Got to find my way out of evil town,” he sings in the final verse, his voice rising with a kind of defiant conviction. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of escape and redemption, if only we have the courage to keep moving forward.

Ultimately, “Evil Town” is a testament to the enduring power of music to heal and transform, to offer a lifeline in even the most turbulent of times. With its haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and raw, unbridled energy, it’s a track that demands to be listened to on repeat, each play revealing new layers of depth and meaning. And for those of us who have ever found ourselves lost in our own personal “evil towns,” it’s a reminder that we are not alone, that there is always a way out if we just keep searching for the light.