B-Side Guys

It’s rare to find a band that can truly capture the essence of life’s most profound questions while still delivering a sound that is both fresh and familiar. Enter wellthen, the Chicago-based duo whose latest offering, “The demo EP,” is a testament to the power of musical evolution and the enduring strength of creative partnerships.

Comprised of Aurelio Damiani and Christian Fields, who have been making music together for over two decades, wellthen has always been a band unafraid to push the boundaries of their sound. With two full-length albums under their belt as a quartet, the duo now ventures into uncharted territory as a two-piece, and the results are nothing short of captivating.

From the opening notes of lead single “this time,” it’s clear that wellthen is a band that knows how to craft a hook. The song’s driving rhythm and soaring vocals are reminiscent of indie rock stalwarts like The Promise Ring and Radiohead, but there’s a rawness to the production that gives it a distinct edge. Lyrically, the track grapples with the idea of holding on to something that may be slipping away, with lines like “This time I don’t think that I’m over it / This time I don’t want to get over it” capturing the bittersweet nature of letting go.

This theme of emotional complexity runs throughout the EP, with each song exploring a different facet of the human experience. On “the way it goes,” the band delves into the idea of finding purpose in the mundane, with Damiani’s vocals taking on a almost meditative quality as he sings, “I’m on a break from the life that I once knew / It’s all one take that we get to see us through.” The song’s subtle synth flourishes and intricate drum patterns create a sense of forward motion, even as the lyrics grapple with the inevitable passage of time.

But it’s on tracks like “sides” and “house of gold” that wellthen truly showcases their range as musicians and songwriters. The former is a brooding, atmospheric piece that builds to a explosive climax, with Fields’ drumming taking center stage as Damiani’s vocals become increasingly urgent. The latter, meanwhile, is a more introspective affair, with the band’s signature guitar work taking on a almost dreamlike quality as Damiani sings of the desire to “live in a house of gold” and “not feel bad anymore.”

Throughout the EP, it’s clear that wellthen is a band that is not content to rest on their laurels. Each song feels like a step forward, a exploration of new sonic and emotional territory that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. The production, while raw and unpolished, only adds to the sense of immediacy and authenticity that permeates the entire record.

Of course, it’s impossible to talk about wellthen without mentioning the deep friendship and creative partnership that lies at the heart of their music. Damiani and Fields have been playing together for over 20 years, and that sense of intimacy and trust is evident in every note they play. Their ability to craft songs that are both cryptic and deeply relatable is a testament to the strength of their bond, and to the power of music to unite us even in the face of life’s most profound challenges.

Nowhere is this more evident than on the EP’s closing track, “most days.” With its gentle guitar and tender vocals, the song feels like a moment of quiet reflection amidst the chaos of the world. Damiani’s lyrics, which touch on themes of fear, uncertainty, and the struggle to hold on to hope, are at once deeply personal and universally resonant. As he sings, “I’ve been holding on most days / And I know that it’s not the fates / Or the low light as I walk on down to the car,” it’s impossible not to feel a sense of connection, a recognition of the shared struggles that bind us all together.

Ultimately, “The demo EP” is more than just a collection of songs – it’s a glimpse into the future of wellthen, and of indie rock as a whole. With their unique blend of melodic hooks, intricate instrumentation, and deeply personal storytelling, Damiani and Fields have crafted a record that feels both timeless and urgently of-the-moment. As they prepare to enter the studio to record their forthcoming full-length album, it’s clear that wellthen is a band on the cusp of something truly special.

So if you’re a fan of indie rock that is unafraid to grapple with life’s biggest questions, that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically adventurous, then “The demo EP” is a must-listen. It’s a record that will stay with you long after the final notes have faded away, a reminder of the power of music to connect us, to heal us, and to help us make sense of the world around us. And in a time when so much feels uncertain, that is a gift that is more precious than ever.