B-Side Guys

Welcome to our latest New Music Mixtape, a curated collection of fresh tracks that have caught our ears and captured our hearts. In this edition, we dive into a diverse array of sounds spanning genres and continents, showcasing both emerging talents and established artists pushing their creative boundaries. From dreamy indie pop to hard-hitting rock, and from introspective folk to experimental electronic, this mixtape offers a snapshot of the current musical landscape in all its vibrant complexity.

Each track has been carefully selected not just for its individual merit, but for how it contributes to the overall listening journey. So sit back, plug in your headphones, and join us as we explore these sonic landscapes. Whether you’re looking for your next favorite artist or simply want to stay on top of what’s new and exciting in the world of music, this mixtape has something for everyone. Let’s dive in and discover together.

forestline – “Spoiled”

Forestline’s “Spoiled” bursts onto the scene with the kinetic energy of a band fully embracing their sonic identity. The track’s sharp production allows each element to shine, from the crisp guitar riffs to the pulsating rhythm section, creating a soundscape that’s both intricate and immediately engaging. Will Taggart’s vocal performance is a standout, his melody line weaving through the instrumentation with a confidence that belies the band’s relative newcomer status. The lift into the bridge, as promised, delivers a powerful surge of energy that showcases Forestline’s knack for dynamic songwriting.

As the fourth single from their upcoming debut LP “thorns,” “Spoiled” serves as a tantalizing preview of Forestline’s genre-bending approach to indie rock. The track’s structure, moving from high-energy verses and choruses to a chilled outro, demonstrates the band’s versatility and willingness to play with listener expectations. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Madison Cunningham and Crumb, Forestline carves out their own niche with a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique. “Spoiled” not only cements Forestline’s place in LA’s vibrant music scene but also positions them as a band to watch on the national stage, promising an album that will explore the nuances of vulnerability with both musical sophistication and raw emotional power.

Noak Hellsing – “All Day”

Noak Hellsing’s “All Day” is a sun-drenched slice of neo-soul that effortlessly blends retro influences with contemporary R&B sensibilities. The track’s stripped-down production, courtesy of Hellsing and Bård Ericson, creates an intimate atmosphere that allows Hellsing’s distinctive vocals to take center stage. The laid-back instrumentation, reminiscent of a lazy California afternoon, provides the perfect backdrop for Hellsing’s exploration of obsessive love and temptation. With its subtle nods to the red-hot chili funk of Venice Beach, “All Day” showcases Hellsing’s ability to absorb diverse influences and craft them into something uniquely his own.

Lyrically, “All Day” delves into the all-consuming nature of infatuation with disarming honesty. Lines like “Running right back to you in my head / I go replay every word you never said” capture the circular thought patterns of desire with precision. The repetition of “all day” throughout the track serves as both hook and mantra, mirroring the inescapable nature of the song’s subject. As the second single from his upcoming EP “SHIFT,” “All Day” demonstrates Hellsing’s versatility as an artist, pivoting from the disco-soul of his previous release to this more introspective, yet no less infectious, offering. It’s a testament to Hellsing’s growing artistry and a tantalizing preview of the sonic journey his EP promises to deliver.

meg elsier – “eastside”

Meg elsier’s “eastside” is a brooding slice of indie rock that expertly straddles the line between shoegaze’s wall-of-sound aesthetics and dream pop’s ethereal melodies. The track’s grumbling guitars create a dense, textured backdrop that simultaneously grounds and elevates elsier’s luminous vocals. This juxtaposition serves as an apt metaphor for the song’s thematic exploration of stagnation and ambivalence, with elsier’s voice cutting through the instrumental murk like a beacon of clarity in a fog of uncertainty.

As a preview of her debut album “spittake,” “eastside” showcases elsier’s knack for wrapping complex emotions in accessible musical packages. The song’s structure mirrors its lyrical content, with moments of intense, guitar-driven catharsis giving way to more introspective, stripped-back passages. Elsier’s self-described “unreliable narrator” comes through in the track’s shifting moods, creating a listening experience that’s as unpredictable as it is engaging. With “eastside,” elsier firmly establishes herself as a rising talent in the indie rock scene, promising an album that will likely resonate with anyone who’s ever felt trapped by the cyclical nature of life while yearning for something more.

Sasha & the Bear – “Plastic”

Sasha & the Bear’s “Plastic” is a shimmering indie pop gem that seamlessly blends folk sensibilities with electronic flourishes. The track’s production, born from the duo’s annual cabin retreats, exudes a sense of intimacy and organic collaboration. Gentle acoustic strums intertwine with pulsing synths, creating a soundscape that’s both familiar and refreshingly innovative. The vocal harmonies float effortlessly over this intricate backdrop, evoking comparisons to the ethereal qualities of The Japanese House while maintaining a distinct identity.

Lyrically, “Plastic” serves as a rallying cry against superficiality, with lines like “Everything around is plastic / And everyone’s enthusiastic / What are they so happy about?” cutting through the facade of modern life. The repeated refrain of “Trust me” acts as both an invitation and a plea, urging listeners to seek authenticity in a world of artifice. As the first single from their upcoming second EP, “Plastic” positions Sasha & the Bear as astute observers of the human condition, capable of translating complex emotions into catchy, radio-friendly hooks. The track’s message of escapism and genuine connection resonates strongly, promising an EP that will likely strike a chord with anyone feeling suffocated by societal expectations and yearning for something real.