B-Side Guys

Fresh off his 2023 WA Country Music Award win with the Eagleton Brothers, Brandon Poletti returns with a solo EP that proves sometimes looking back is the best way forward. Released on October 25, 2024, “Thinking of the Past” delivers five tracks of introspective country-folk that showcase Poletti’s evolving artistry.

The EP opens with “Craving,” where steel guitar weeps beneath Poletti’s warm twang. The production here is particularly noteworthy, with the arrangement shifting from full-band accompaniment to intimate acoustic passages that mirror the song’s emotional ebb and flow. This subtle dynamic control demonstrates Poletti’s growth as both songwriter and arranger.

“Slow Down” follows, introducing an up-tempo rhythm that belies its contemplative message. The track’s clever navigation between major and minor tonalities creates an engaging tension that keeps listeners on their toes. Poletti’s guitar work shines here, proving why he’s become such a draw at festivals like Boyup Brook and Gidgestock.

The EP’s centerpiece, “Move Away,” strikes a more somber tone. Poletti crafts a universal tale of small-town restlessness that will resonate with anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting fresh. The stripped-back production allows his storytelling abilities to take center stage, showcasing the narrative strength that’s become his trademark.

“What The Future Holds” emerges as one of the EP’s standout moments. The gentle ballad structure provides the perfect vehicle for exploring themes of uncertainty and hope. Poletti’s vocals convey both vulnerability and resilience, while his guitar work adds subtle textures that enhance the song’s emotional impact.

The collection closes with “Just A Man,” a departure from the EP’s established sound that proves thoroughly rewarding. The marriage of contemplative piano and martial drums creates a sonic landscape unlike anything else in Poletti’s catalog. It’s a bold choice that pays off, ending the EP on a note of artistic evolution.

What sets “Thinking of the Past” apart is its careful balance of nostalgia and forward momentum. While the themes may look backward, the production and arrangements feel thoroughly contemporary. Producer credits weren’t provided, but whoever helmed these sessions deserves recognition for capturing both the warmth of traditional country and the clarity modern listeners expect.

At just under 19 minutes, “Thinking of the Past” is a concise statement that never overstays its welcome. Each track feels essential to the whole, yet strong enough to stand alone. The sequencing creates a natural emotional arc that carries listeners from personal longings through universal questions about human existence.

For fans of Poletti’s work with the Eagleton Brothers, this EP offers a more intimate perspective while maintaining the quality they’ve come to expect. For newcomers, it serves as a perfect introduction to his signature blend of country charm and emotional authenticity.

As the final notes of “Just A Man” fade away, it’s clear that Brandon Poletti has crafted something special with “Thinking of the Past.” It’s an EP that invites repeated listens, each spin revealing new layers of musical detail and emotional depth. In looking back, Poletti hasn’t just created a collection of songs – he’s crafted a mirror that reflects universal truths about love, longing, and the bittersweet passage of time.