B-Side Guys

The Fever Haze’s “I Love It Here” emerges from a mist of guitar effects and synth textures, a sonic representation of love’s ability to blur geographical boundaries. This track from their 2024 album “Moonbow” showcases the Grand Rapids outfit’s evolution from Jackie Kalmink’s solo project to a fully-realized shoegaze quintet.

Kalmink’s vocals float atop layers of fuzz and reverb, her words painting a picture of newfound connection and the bittersweet ache of separation. The lyrics capture the universal experience of finding someone who truly understands you, only to be pulled apart by circumstance. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in our increasingly connected yet physically distant world.

Musically, “I Love It Here” is a masterclass in texture. Guitars shimmer and swirl, creating a dense fog of sound that envelops the listener. The addition of synthesizers and drum machines to the band’s palette adds depth and dimension, pushing their sound into new territories while maintaining the core DNA of their earlier work.

The production, handled largely by Kalmink herself, demonstrates a keen understanding of the shoegaze aesthetic. Each element is carefully placed in the mix, creating a sense of space and depth that invites repeated listens. The mastering by TW Walsh adds a professional sheen without sacrificing the raw emotion at the heart of the track.

As the song builds to its climax, the layers of sound coalesce into a wall of noise that’s both overwhelming and oddly comforting – much like the rush of emotions that come with new love. “I Love It Here” serves as both a standout track and a perfect encapsulation of The Fever Haze’s growth as a band. It’s a promising taste of “Moonbow” and a sign that their partnership with Graveface Records may be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their musical journey.