B-Side Guys

Sometimes the pieces that don’t quite fit create their own perfect picture. Brian Halloran’s “Four Orphans” EP, releasing December 20, 2024, collects four songs that refused to be adopted by other albums, proving that sometimes musical outcasts make the most compelling company.

“The Only Thing Keeping Me Down” opens the collection with the kind of self-awareness that marked the best ’90s alternative rock. Recorded partly in Los Angeles, the track benefits from Fiona Huxley’s backing vocals and Craig Huxley’s bass and keyboard work. The result feels both nostalgic and immediate, like finding an old letter that still rings true.

“For a Song” pays tribute to Semisonic’s Dan Wilson while carving its own identity. Halloran’s desire to write something upbeat after a series of slower compositions pays off brilliantly. Fellow NYC musicians Kacie Sky (backing vocals) and Zack Zaro (lead guitar) help create a track that captures the energy of live performance within studio precision.

“Your Satellite” demonstrates the power of simplicity in songwriting. This straightforward exploration of unrequited love benefits from Sky’s returning backing vocals, which add emotional depth without overwhelming Halloran’s lead. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most direct route to the heart is the best one.

The EP closes with “Spin My Wheels,” a track that draws inspiration from Counting Crows’ “Recovering The Satellites” era. TJ Viola’s piano and organ work helps create the big, expansive sound Halloran was aiming for, while maintaining the intimacy that made last year’s “The Cocktail Hour” so compelling.

What sets “Four Orphans” apart is its celebration of musical misfit toys. Rather than trying to force these songs into spaces where they didn’t quite belong, Halloran has created a home for them that feels both intentional and organic. The influence of ’90s alt-rock heroes like R.E.M., Gin Blossoms, and Semisonic is evident, but never overshadows Halloran’s distinct voice.

The production throughout maintains perfect balance between polished and lived-in. Each track feels carefully crafted while preserving the spontaneous energy that likely inspired its creation. The collaborative spirit that marked “The Cocktail Hour” continues here, with guest musicians adding color and depth to Halloran’s vision.

At 16 minutes, this collection of musical foundlings proves that sometimes the songs that don’t find immediate homes end up creating the most interesting families. For fans of thoughtful alternative rock that bridges past and present, “Four Orphans” promises to be essential listening.

As Halloran continues to evolve as an artist, this EP stands as proof that sometimes the best path forward involves a careful look at the pieces left behind. These four tracks might not have fit elsewhere, but together they create something whole, honest, and engaging.