B-Side Guys

“Five More Sleeps,” the latest EP from Liverpool-based artist B. Russell’s solo project Workstuff, is a mesmerizing journey through a kaleidoscopic sonic landscape. Building upon the foundation laid by the enigmatic debut EP “Half-Asleep, Devoted 2” in 2023, this new release sees Workstuff collaborate with four distinct artists from the North West of England, each bringing their unique style and perspective to reinterpret a track from the previous EP. The result is a vivid, eclectic tapestry that showcases the depth and diversity of the region’s musical talent.

The EP opens with “Intro 2 [Time-Space Periscope],” a Workstuff original that sets the stage for the journey to come. Blending philosophical musings with psychedelic soundscapes, this track serves as a bridge between the introspective world of “Half-Asleep, Devoted 2” and the collaborations that follow. Russell’s distinctive vocal style, alternating between pop crooner and free-form poet, draws the listener in, inviting them to explore the lesser-seen recesses of the psyche.

Jezebel takes the reins on “Big Clam Shell – Jezebel’s Venus Mix,” infusing the original with a shimmering, synth-driven energy that evokes the nostalgic charm of 80s pop. The juxtaposition of Workstuff’s abstract, confessional lyrics with Jezebel’s glossy production creates a fascinating contrast, highlighting the universality of the themes explored in the EP.

Dead Animals brings an industrial rock edge to “Saw/yer – Dead Animals Mix,” showcasing the raw power and intensity that can be drawn from Workstuff’s introspective words. The heavy, distorted guitars and pounding rhythms amplify the sense of unease and discord, reflecting the themes of dystopia and trauma that permeate the artist’s writing.

So Good Very Shadows (of Liminal Project) pushes the boundaries even further with their avant-noise interpretation of “Going on Cold.” The dissonant textures and experimental structure challenge the listener’s expectations, creating a sense of disorientation that mirrors the emotional turbulence of the lyrics. This track is a testament to the EP’s willingness to venture into uncharted sonic territories, embracing the unconventional and the unexpected.

The EP concludes with “Mannequins Redux – S.o.D.’s Cracked Static Mix,” a haunting, electro-inspired rendition by Sound of Drowning. The pulsating beats and eerie, atmospheric soundscapes create a trance-like state, drawing the listener deep into the heart of Workstuff’s introspective universe. The fragility and vulnerability of the lyrics are underscored by the stark, mechanical nature of the production, creating a powerful and lasting impact.

Throughout “Five More Sleeps,” the collaborators’ diverse styles serve to illuminate the depth and complexity of Workstuff’s artistic vision. The exploration of themes such as childhood trauma, subverted masculinity, and the search for connection in a dystopian world resonates across genres, demonstrating the power of music to bridge divides and foster understanding. The seamless integration of these disparate elements is a testament to the skill and vision of both Workstuff and the collaborating artists.

Lyrically, the EP continues in the tradition of abstract, poetic passages that characterized “Half-Asleep, Devoted 2.” The words are deeply personal yet open to interpretation, inviting the listener to find their own meaning and connection to the music. The dark comedic lens through which heavy themes are explored adds a layer of complexity, offering moments of levity amidst the introspection.

“Five More Sleeps” is an expansion of the sonic and emotional universe first introduced in Workstuff’s debut. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities that arise when artists from different backgrounds unite in the spirit of creation. As B. Russell continues to develop the Workstuff project, this EP serves as an exciting glimpse into the future, promising even more boundary-pushing, genre-defying work to come. It is a “can of worms” that, once opened, reveals a world of endless artistic potential – a world that Workstuff invites us to enter and explore alongside them.