B-Side Guys

Honeybear, the Band’s “I Was Wrong” slouches out of Vancouver like a repentant sinner stumbling from a backwoods revival. This quartet of musical veterans serves up a slice of retro soul that’s as comforting as it is confrontational, marinating self-awareness in a savory blues broth.

The track’s shuffle feel swings with the easy grace of a saloon door, inviting listeners into a world where admitting fault is less a sign of weakness and more a rite of passage. Vocals dripping with bluesy conviction deliver lines like “There were times when I was wrong / And I didn’t know it” with the raw honesty of a midnight confessional.

Musically, “I Was Wrong” is a masterclass in restrained virtuosity. The “old timey piano” tickles the ivories like it’s trying to seduce them, while the reverb-drenched guitar adds just enough twang to remind you that redemption is always just a bent note away. It’s as if The Teskey Brothers decided to collaborate with the ghost of Muddy Waters, with Jesse Roper acting as the spectral medium.

The production, likely born from those pandemic-era park jams with motorcycle battery-powered amps, captures the essence of live performance without sacrificing clarity. Each instrument occupies its own space in the mix, creating a sound that’s as warm and inviting as a well-worn leather jacket.

“I Was Wrong” stands as a testament to Honeybear’s collective musical wisdom. It’s a track that doesn’t just acknowledge mistakes; it revels in them, turning regret into a kind of bittersweet triumph. In a world that often demands perfection, Honeybear offers a refreshing alternative: the unapologetic embrace of human fallibility, served with a side of soulful groove.