B-Side Guys

In Tucson’s desert landscape, where psychedelia naturally blooms among the cacti, Head Full of Stars’ William Bernhard has crafted “Out of Control,” a shoegaze meditation on narcissistic entanglement that transforms personal trauma into sonic catharsis. Inspired by Low’s “Down” and colored by his own experiences, this fourth release pushes beyond mere influence to create something uniquely potent.

The track’s production perfectly mirrors its theme of emotional upheaval, with layers of distortion and reverb creating a disorienting atmosphere that mimics the fog of toxic relationships. Bernhard’s background as a vinyl archaeologist shows in his careful attention to texture – each layer of sound feels deliberately chosen and historically informed while remaining fresh and immediate.

Laura Kepner-Adney’s vocals cut through the haze like a shaft of desert sunlight, providing clarity amidst the turbulence. Her contribution elevates the track beyond personal narrative into universal territory, making the song’s journey from entanglement to liberation feel both intimate and widely accessible.

The influence of Low’s “I Could Live in Hope” serves not as a crutch but as a springboard, with Bernhard using that album’s contemplative spaces as a launch point for his own exploration of control and its absence. The result is a track that honors its influences while carving out its own distinct emotional territory.

What’s particularly striking about “Out of Control” is how it manages to make chaos feel structured. The shoegaze elements create a wall of sound that threatens to overwhelm, yet there’s always a thread of melody guiding listeners through the storm. This careful balance suggests the kind of clarity that often only comes after emerging from difficult situations.

The song’s evolution – from initial cathartic outburst to refined final form – mirrors its thematic content. Just as the protagonist moves from entanglement to liberation, the track itself has been shaped and reshaped, each iteration bringing it closer to its true form. It’s a meta-narrative that adds depth to an already multifaceted piece.

The confluence of shoegaze haze and indie rock directness creates a compelling tension throughout the track. This stylistic fusion serves the narrative well, with the dreamy, psychedelic elements representing emotional confusion while the more structured indie rock components suggest the emergence of self-awareness and strength.

Bernhard’s persistence with the material – giving it multiple chances rather than abandoning it – speaks to both his artistic instincts and the song’s underlying message about transformation. Like the personal growth it chronicles, the track required patience and multiple attempts before revealing its final form.

For a fourth release, “Out of Control” demonstrates remarkable maturity in both conception and execution. Head Full of Stars has created something more than just another shoegaze track – it’s a sonic document of personal evolution that invites listeners to find their own path through the haze.