B-Side Guys

Sometimes the most significant shifts happen in the smallest moments. On “In Breech,” released December 5, 2024, German artist M. Byrd captures the subtle earthquakes of personal transformation across 17 minutes that feel both intimate and expansive.

“Always” opens the collection with crystalline guitar work that sets a contemplative tone. The track builds gradually, exploring the end of a friendship with rare grace. Byrd’s vocals carry both resignation and resilience as he navigates emotional territory that most songwriters might oversimplify.

“My Starlight” showcases Byrd’s gift for blending organic and electronic elements. Working with co-producer John Joseph, he creates a soundscape where synths and strings coexist naturally. When he sings “You’re the question to my answer,” it feels less like wordplay and more like revelation.

“Underwater” features guest vocalist Philine Sonny, whose presence adds new dimensions to Byrd’s meditation on unexpected change. The track particularly resonates with its exploration of first-time parenthood, finding universal truth in personal experience. The production creates a sense of submersion without sacrificing clarity.

“Halo (Blue Letter)” demonstrates Byrd’s evolution as an artist. Having already proven his ability to craft streaming hits with songs like “Mountain” (10 million+ streams), he now seems more interested in creating moments of genuine connection. The track’s arrangement breathes naturally, allowing space for listeners to find their own meaning.

The EP closes with “One Way or the Other,” a fitting finale that brings together all the elements that make this collection special. Recorded between Hamburg and Denmark, the track carries traces of both locations while maintaining its own distinct atmosphere.

What sets “In Breech” apart is its careful balance of polish and authenticity. While many artists might approach topics like friendship, parenthood, and personal growth with heavy hands, Byrd finds power in subtlety. Each track feels carefully crafted yet emotionally immediate.

The production throughout maintains perfect equilibrium between organic and electronic elements. Joseph helps Byrd expand his sonic palette while maintaining the warmth that made previous releases like “The Seed” so compelling. The shoegaze and synth elements never overshadow the songwriting’s emotional core.

For someone who started by drumming along to TV at age three before picking up his father’s guitar, Byrd shows remarkable restraint in his arrangements. Every instrument serves the song rather than showcasing technique, creating a collection that rewards both casual and careful listening.

As follow-up to his acclaimed 2023 debut album, “In Breech” shows an artist embracing growth rather than resisting it. Like the medical condition that gives the EP its name, these songs suggest that sometimes life’s most challenging positions can lead to beautiful outcomes.

For fans of thoughtful indie pop that values honesty over artifice, “In Breech” is essential listening. It’s a reminder that the best music often comes from artists willing to document their transformations in real time, sharing both the uncertainty and the wonder of life’s major shifts.

As Byrd continues to evolve as both artist and person, “In Breech” serves as a perfect snapshot of an especially pivotal moment. These five songs create exactly the kind of space he hoped for – one where listeners experiencing their own life changes can find both comfort and courage.