B-Side Guys

Welcome to bsideguys.com’s Weekly New Releases, your essential guide to the freshest sounds hitting the airwaves and streaming platforms. As we dive into another exciting week of musical discoveries, we’re bringing you a curated selection of tracks that span genres, moods, and continents.

From indie rock anthems that’ll have you air-guitaring in your living room to soul-stirring ballads that tug at your heartstrings, we’ve got something for every musical palate. Our team of dedicated music enthusiasts has been working tirelessly, sifting through countless releases to bring you the cream of the crop.

This week’s lineup features emerging artists making bold statements with their debuts, established acts pushing the boundaries of their sound, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking to discover your next favorite band, stay ahead of the musical curve, or simply find the perfect soundtrack for your week, we’ve got you covered.

So grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and join us as we explore the most exciting new music of the week. Let’s dive in and see what sonic treasures await us in this latest batch of releases!

Liv Greene – “Katie”

Liv Greene’s “Katie” is a tender exploration of queer love that marks a significant evolution in the Nashville-based artist’s songwriting journey. The track’s gentle instrumentation, likely featuring Greene’s signature guitar work, creates an intimate atmosphere that allows her nuanced vocal performance to take center stage. Greene’s ability to convey complex emotions through subtle inflections and carefully crafted lyrics showcases her growing confidence as both a performer and a storyteller.

As a preview of her upcoming album “Deep Feeler,” “Katie” serves as a powerful statement of self-acceptance and the joy of embracing one’s identity. The song’s narrative, focusing on Greene’s first positive queer love experience, offers a refreshing perspective in the often heteronormative world of Americana and folk music. By allowing herself to “revel in” romantic feelings without shame or hesitation, Greene not only crafts a deeply personal song but also provides a much-needed voice for queer listeners seeking representation in the genre. “Katie” positions Liv Greene as an artist unafraid to push boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to folk traditions, promising an album that will resonate with anyone navigating the complexities of love and self-discovery.

Bad Flamingo – “Parked in the Lot”

Bad Flamingo’s “Parked in the Lot” continues the mysterious duo’s tradition of blending folksy storytelling with indie rock edge. The track’s laid-back instrumentation evokes the languid atmosphere of a sweltering summer day, perfectly complementing the song’s themes of small-town ennui and quiet rebellion. The duo’s vocal harmonies, shrouded in their signature anonymity, weave together to create a sound that’s both familiar and enigmatic.

Lyrically, “Parked in the Lot” paints a vivid picture of rural life, with imagery of grass-growing, hard heads, and fried brains capturing the essence of a community where time seems to stand still. The repeated refrain of “We got backroads to fly / Long as we don’t fly away” encapsulates the tension between the desire for escape and the pull of home. As with their previous works, Bad Flamingo uses the mask of anonymity to speak truths about small-town America that might otherwise go unspoken. This track further cements their reputation as astute observers of the human condition, crafting songs that are as thought-provoking as they are catchy.

sixten – “Atlantic”

sixten’s “Atlantic” is a melancholic indie pop gem that showcases the Swedish sibling duo’s ability to capture complex emotions in deceptively simple melodies. The track’s gentle instrumentation creates a dreamy backdrop for Tova and Sigge Strandell’s intertwining vocals, allowing the poignant lyrics to take center stage. Their harmonies, honed through years of collaboration, convey a sense of shared experience that adds depth to the song’s exploration of unrequited love and lingering attachment.

Lyrically, “Atlantic” paints a vivid picture of emotional distance, with lines like “Under the illusion / Of what I thought we had / Was just like the sensation / Of getting up too fast” perfectly capturing the dizzy disorientation of realizing a relationship wasn’t what it seemed. The recurring imagery of green leaves serves as a poignant metaphor for the narrator’s persistent feelings, contrasting with the vast ocean separating them from their object of affection. The admission “I’m thinking about it / I wish you did too” encapsulates the one-sided nature of the narrator’s obsession, creating a relatable portrait of post-breakup longing. As the focus track from their EP “Misemotional,” “Atlantic” positions sixten as skilled chroniclers of the human heart, crafting songs that resonate with anyone who’s ever felt stuck in the aftermath of a relationship.

Bellefolie – “In the Clouds”

Bellefolie’s “In the Clouds” is a haunting exploration of loss and connection that seamlessly blends elements of indie rock, alt-pop, and folk. The track’s atmospheric production creates a dreamlike soundscape, with layers of instrumentation building and receding like the clouds referenced in the lyrics. Vocally, Bellefolie channels the ethereal quality of Kate Bush while maintaining a raw emotional edge reminiscent of Cat Power, resulting in a performance that’s both otherworldly and deeply human.

Lyrically, “In the Clouds” weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery and metaphysical musings. Lines like “I can see your face in the clouds / You move about” evoke a sense of presence in absence, while the repeated refrain of “in trees, in winds, in every river’s bend” speaks to the interconnectedness of all things. The song’s structure, shifting between introspective verses and more expansive choruses, mirrors the ebb and flow of grief and acceptance. By exploring the “invisible threads that tie us together,” Bellefolie creates a song that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. “In the Clouds” not only showcases Bellefolie’s songwriting prowess but also offers listeners a moment of reflection in an increasingly fast-paced world, positioning them as an artist capable of crafting music that’s both emotionally profound and sonically captivating.

TOVI – “More for Me”

TOVI’s “More for Me” is a kaleidoscopic journey through the landscapes of neo-psychedelia and indie rock, showcasing Rebecca Emms’ ability to blend genres with effortless grace. The track’s production, co-helmed by Emms and Josh Korody, creates a sonic tapestry that’s both lush and gritty, with heavy hip-hop beats providing a solid foundation for airy, layered harmonies and soaring saxophone solos. This juxtaposition of elements mirrors the song’s thematic exploration of avoidance and longing, creating a musical experience that’s as complex as the emotions it describes.

Lyrically, “More for Me” delves into the challenges of communication and vulnerability in relationships. Lines like “When things get weird, I get small / Didn’t say what I meant at all” capture the frustration of being unable to express oneself fully, while the repeated refrain of “Wish you could be more for me” speaks to a desire for deeper connection that remains unfulfilled. The imagery of “Your big brown eyes, the Berlin Wall” cleverly encapsulates the paradox of emotional barriers in intimate relationships. By tackling these themes with both playfulness and introspection, TOVI creates a song that’s as intellectually engaging as it is sonically adventurous, positioning herself as a rising star in the indie music scene.

Caleb L’Etoile – “Death Rattle”

Caleb L’Etoile’s “Death Rattle” is a haunting exploration of desire and mortality that seamlessly blends alt-pop sensibilities with indie electronic textures. The track’s evolution from punk origins to a lush, synth-driven soundscape mirrors its thematic journey from raw passion to existential contemplation. L’Etoile’s production choices, including house-inspired piano and layered synthesizers, create a sonic atmosphere that’s both danceable and deeply introspective, evoking comparisons to The Killers’ more experimental moments and The 1975’s genre-bending approach.

Lyrically, “Death Rattle” is a tour de force of poetic imagery and emotional intensity. Lines like “I want to be the river around you / I want to fill your lungs and shut your eyes” blur the lines between love and destruction, while the spoken-word bridge, inspired by mewithoutyou, adds a layer of philosophical depth to the track. The recurring motif of black and white imagery (“I want you in black and bone white”) reinforces the song’s exploration of duality – life and death, love and loss. By crafting a “spooky love song” that’s as intellectually engaging as it is sonically captivating, L’Etoile demonstrates his ability to create pop music that doesn’t shy away from complex themes. “Death Rattle” not only showcases L’Etoile’s growth as an artist but also positions him as a unique voice in the alt-pop landscape, capable of turning life’s rawest moments into cathartic, dance-fueled anthems.

Ethan Buckner – “Wavering”

Ethan Buckner’s “Wavering” is a pulse-quickening indie folk anthem that transforms personal struggle into universal resonance. The track’s production, helmed by Grammy nominee Justin Glasco, creates a sonic landscape that’s both intimate and expansive, mirroring Buckner’s journey through chronic anxiety and self-discovery. The collaboration with guitarist Brandon Walters, vocalist and synth player Debbie Neigher, and Buckner’s brother Matt on drums results in a rich, layered sound that elevates the song beyond typical singer-songwriter fare.

Born from a moment of crisis during Buckner’s bout with sudden vision loss, “Wavering” serves as a powerful exploration of seeking meaning amidst chaos. The song’s intricate guitar riffs, asynchronous synths, and harmonies create a musical tapestry that reflects the complexity of Buckner’s experiences as both an activist and artist. As a standout single from his upcoming LP “Treading Water,” “Wavering” not only showcases Buckner’s musical prowess but also his ability to transmute personal trauma into art that speaks to broader human experiences. This track positions Ethan Buckner as a unique voice in the indie folk scene, one unafraid to confront life’s harshest realities while still searching for hope and connection.

Paper Space – “Impression”

Paper Space’s “Impression” is a poignant exploration of vulnerability and connection, wrapped in a package of nostalgic indie rock that evokes the golden age of 90s college radio. The track’s jangly guitars and melodic hooks create a sonic landscape that’s both familiar and fresh, with Max Basso’s impassioned vocals carrying the emotional weight of the song’s narrative. As the first single from their concept album “Deathlike,” “Impression” sets a tone of introspection and resilience that promises to permeate the entire work.

Lyrically, “Impression” delves deep into the psyche of its narrator, an ICU patient grappling with physical disfigurement and the fear of rejection. Lines like “I hope that I don’t offend you just by walking by” and “It’s gonna be so hard explaining why / I look so different from you” capture the anxiety of altered appearance and the longing for acceptance. The recurring refrain of “I hope I make an impression” serves as both a plea for understanding and a declaration of perseverance. By tackling such weighty themes with a blend of vulnerability and determination, Paper Space crafts a song that’s as emotionally resonant as it is musically engaging. “Impression” not only showcases the band’s growth since their garage rock days but also positions them as storytellers capable of turning personal struggles into universally relatable anthems.

Cell – “Free People”

Cell’s “Free People” is a blistering return to form for the 90s alt-rock veterans, showcasing their ability to craft dense, guitar-driven soundscapes that feel both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh. The track’s wall of distorted guitars and propulsive rhythm section evoke the halcyon days of indie rock, with echoes of Dinosaur Jr.’s fuzz-drenched heroics and Sonic Youth’s experimental edge. Ian James and Jerry DiRienzo’s intertwining guitar work creates a sonic tapestry that’s as intricate as it is intense, while Keith Nealy’s drumming and David Motamed’s bass provide a solid foundation for the song’s controlled chaos.

Despite the nearly three-decade hiatus since their premature dissolution in 1995, “Free People” demonstrates that Cell hasn’t lost their knack for crafting emotionally charged, sonically adventurous rock music. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the band’s importance in the 90s alt-rock landscape and makes a strong case for their continued relevance. As Cell prepares for their rare live appearances at DromFest and The Mercury Lounge, “Free People” not only whets the appetite for these performances but also raises the tantalizing possibility of new material from a band that was unfairly overlooked in their heyday. This track positions Cell as not just a nostalgia act, but as a group still capable of contributing meaningfully to the contemporary rock scene.