B-Side Guys

Welcome to bsideguys.com’s New Release Rundown, your weekly guide to the freshest sounds hitting the airwaves and streaming platforms. In this edition, we’re diving deep into a diverse array of tracks that showcase the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music, but we’re about a week behind, so most of these tracks came out at the end of July. From indie darlings pushing their sonic boundaries to emerging artists making their mark with bold debuts, we’ve curated a selection that spans genres, moods, and continents.

Our team of music enthusiasts has sifted through countless releases to bring you the cream of the crop, offering insightful analysis and context for each track. Whether you’re looking to discover your next favorite artist or simply eager to stay on top of the latest trends, our Pitchfork-style reviews are designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of what makes each release tick. So plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and join us as we explore the most exciting new music of the week.

mr. Gnome – “Fader”

Mr. Gnome’s “Fader” is a colossal seven-minute odyssey that showcases the Cleveland duo’s mastery of psychedelic rock’s more aggressive tendencies. Nicole Barille and Sam Miester have crafted a sonic behemoth that defies easy categorization, blending the raw energy of alternative metal with the expansive soundscapes of desert rock. The track’s foundation is built on Miester’s thunderous drumming, which serves as both anchor and propellant for Barille’s layered, distortion-drenched guitar work. As “Fader” unfolds, it reveals a complex tapestry of textures, with each passing minute introducing new elements that simultaneously disorient and captivate the listener.

At its core, “Fader” is a testament to Mr. Gnome’s commitment to sonic exploration. The duo’s ability to maintain a sense of cohesion amidst the swirling chaos of their composition is impressive, with Barille’s vocals providing a human touchstone in an otherwise alien landscape of sound. As a preview of their upcoming album “A Sliver of Space,” “Fader” suggests a work that will push the boundaries of what’s possible within the realm of psychedelic rock. It’s a bold statement from a band that has consistently defied expectations, and one that cements their status as true innovators in a genre that often prizes adherence to tradition over genuine experimentation.

Good Luck Club – “Flicker Fade”

Good Luck Club’s “Flicker Fade” is a haunting excursion into the murky waters where trip-hop meets alternative rock, creating a sonic landscape that’s as introspective as it is atmospheric. The track’s pulsing, downtempo beat serves as a steady heartbeat beneath layers of ethereal synths and guitar textures, recalling the moody ambiance of Massive Attack while carving out its own distinct identity. Vocally, the band treads a line between whispered confessions and soaring lamentations, their lyrics exploring the fraught territory of human fallibility with a raw, unflinching honesty.

The song’s structure mirrors its thematic content, with verses that build tension giving way to a chorus that feels like a moment of clarity amidst the haze. The repeated mantra of “If only it were easy” in the outro serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle inherent in grappling with one’s vices and humanity. As the track progresses, it incorporates elements of chillwave, creating a dreamlike quality that enhances the sense of internal struggle conveyed by the lyrics. “Flicker Fade” stands as a testament to Good Luck Club’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, crafting a piece that’s both sonically adventurous and emotionally resonant. As their third single, it suggests a band that’s not afraid to delve into the darker corners of the human psyche, promising an intriguing journey for listeners willing to explore these shadowy realms alongside them.

Mo Kenney – “Signs of Life”

Mo Kenney’s “Signs of Life” is a masterclass in understated indie rock, weaving a tapestry of ambiguity and introspection that defies easy categorization. The track’s sparse arrangement allows Kenney’s haunting vocals to take center stage, their voice carrying the weight of unspoken emotions and half-formed thoughts. The repetitive nature of lines like “I wait for signs, for signs of life” creates a hypnotic effect, mirroring the circular patterns of anxiety and longing that often accompany personal growth and self-discovery.

Lyrically, “Signs of Life” delves into the complexities of relationships and the struggle to redefine oneself within and outside of them. Kenney’s exploration of the “textures of ambiguity” is palpable in lines such as “Can’t stand to be on the outside / Can’t stand to be outside your life,” which speak to the paradoxical desire for both independence and connection. The song’s structure, with its subtle build and recurring motifs, reflects the non-linear nature of emotional development that Kenney aims to capture in their upcoming album “From Nowhere.” As a preview of this larger work, “Signs of Life” suggests a deeply personal and introspective collection that pushes the boundaries of alt-folk, inviting listeners to find their own meanings within its beautifully crafted ambiguities.

ColourTelly – “Scorpio”

ColourTelly’s “Scorpio” is a hypnotic blend of neo-soul and lo-fi hip-hop that delves into the murky waters of a toxic relationship with unflinching honesty. The South London duo of Evie Cunningham and Ollie Chubb have crafted a sonic landscape that’s as lush as it is melancholic, with jazzy chord progressions and muted beats providing a perfect backdrop for their introspective lyrics. The track’s laid-back tempo belies the emotional turbulence at its core, creating a tension that mirrors the push-and-pull dynamic of the relationship being described.

Lyrically, “Scorpio” is a masterclass in metaphor, with lines like “Your love is like cocaine dripping down the back of my throat” vividly capturing the addictive nature of toxic love. The recurring plea of “Scorpio, can you hear me though” adds a layer of astrological mystique while emphasizing the communication breakdown at the heart of the relationship. As the track progresses, the interplay between the vocals and the instrumentals becomes increasingly intricate, mirroring the complex emotions being explored. With “Scorpio,” ColourTelly has created a piece that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, cementing their place in the vibrant London electronic scene and proving their ability to infuse chill-hop beats with genuine emotional depth.

Hallo – “Worth It All”

Hallo’s “Worth It All” is a shimmering piece of shoegaze that serves as both a declaration of independence and a sonic representation of self-discovery. The Austin-based band, led by Tiana Stuart, crafts a wall of sound that’s as dense as it is ethereal, with layers of reverb-drenched guitars and dreamy vocals creating a cocoon-like atmosphere. This sonic landscape mirrors the lyrical content, enveloping the listener in a protective bubble as Stuart navigates the aftermath of a toxic relationship. The track’s structure, with its gradual build and cathartic release, mimics the process of healing and self-realization, culminating in the empowering refrain of “I’m worth it all.”

Lyrically, “Worth It All” is a poignant exploration of reclaiming one’s self-worth after years of diminishment. Stuart’s vocals, at once vulnerable and resolute, deliver lines like “Yeah, you’re blooming but that don’t fool me none / I got a lot of flowers I can choose from” with a quiet confidence that speaks volumes. The repeated assertion of “I got it” in the bridge serves as a mantra of self-assurance, its repetition reinforcing the song’s message of empowerment. As a preview of Hallo’s upcoming debut album “Unsaved,” “Worth It All” suggests a collection that will delve deep into the complexities of human relationships and personal growth, all wrapped in a dreamy, shoegaze-inflected package. With this track, Hallo establishes themselves as a band capable of transforming personal pain into universally resonant dream pop.

OK Friend – “Escape Capsule”

OK Friend’s “Escape Capsule” is a dreamy indie rock odyssey that blends post-apocalyptic imagery with tender moments of nostalgia. Taylor Tuomie, the St. Paul-based musician behind the project, crafts a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive, mirroring the vast emptiness of space and the confined quarters of the titular capsule. The track’s gentle instrumentation, with its soft guitar strums and muted percussion, creates a cocoon-like atmosphere that envelops the listener, inviting them into this world of memory and imagination.

Lyrically, “Escape Capsule” weaves together fragments of memory and speculative fiction, juxtaposing images of interstellar travel with mundane moments like listening to a father-in-law talk about gardening. Lines like “We woke up holding hands / Like we’re in your parents’ garden in Oregon” capture a sense of warmth and familiarity amidst the cosmic chaos. The song’s refrain, “At least we’ll never find out what we don’t know,” speaks to the bittersweet nature of leaving everything behind, finding solace in shared ignorance. As a debut single, “Escape Capsule” establishes OK Friend as a project capable of crafting nuanced, emotionally resonant indie pop that transports listeners to richly imagined worlds.

LEOBLU – “it’s just a coffee”

LEOBLU’s “it’s just a coffee” is a haunting exploration of post-breakup emotions, wrapped in a dreamy indie pop package. The Berlin-based artist crafts a sonic landscape that’s both intimate and expansive, with layers of vocal harmonies floating atop a bed of organic instrumentation. The interplay between bongo drums, violin, and organ creates a texture that’s as rich and complex as the emotions being explored, mirroring the conflicting feelings of longing and resentment that often accompany a difficult separation.

Lyrically, LEOBLU deftly navigates the murky waters of post-relationship interactions, capturing the tension between the desire for closure and the pain of reopening old wounds. The repeated refrain “you broke my heart / and now you want to grab a coffee” encapsulates the absurdity and awkwardness of such encounters, while lines like “you’re in the cup i hold / you’re on the radio” speak to the omnipresence of memories in the aftermath of a breakup. As part of the “Blu Lucid Nightmare” EP, “it’s just a coffee” showcases LEOBLU’s ability to transform personal experiences into universally resonant indie pop, establishing her as an artist capable of blending emotional depth with captivating production.

Vacant Weekend – “Proud of You”

Vacant Weekend’s “Proud of You” is a sardonic indie rock anthem that cleverly disguises its scathing commentary on toxic relationships within an upbeat, danceable track. The Manchester-based trio channels the infectious energy of Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats, crafting a song that’s as catchy as it is cutting. The juxtaposition between the cheerful instrumentation and the biting lyrics creates a tension that mirrors the song’s subject matter – a dysfunctional dynamic where praise is used as a tool for manipulation and control.

While on the surface “Proud of You” appears to be about a toxic workplace, the band has revealed it serves as an allegory for demanding relationships marked by selfish and patronizing partners. The repeating refrain of “Oh I’m so proud of you” drips with irony, highlighting the hollow nature of such praise when used to maintain power. This track showcases Vacant Weekend’s ability to tackle complex themes while maintaining their signature “funk-inspired, groove focused, cathartic indie rock” sound. As part of their EP “Something To Fill The Silence,” “Proud of You” demonstrates the band’s growth and maturation, solidifying their place as a rising force in the UK indie scene.