B-Side Guys

In an era where youth in music often comes packaged with saccharine pop sensibilities or manufactured rebellion, American Standards’ debut EP “I Hate that I Miss You” arrives as a stark departure from expectations. Their single “One by One,” released in August 2024, serves as a remarkable testament to authentic adolescent perspective, delivered with a maturity that transcends the band members’ middle school status.

Lead vocalist Alianna Akers, at just 12 years old, brings a startling depth to her lyrics that cuts through any preconceptions about age-appropriate subject matter. The track delves into themes of social manipulation and self-preservation with the kind of insight that typically comes from years of hard-won experience. When she warns, “Say what people want to hear/So they can’t turn it on you,” there’s an unmistakable authenticity that speaks to the sophisticated understanding of social dynamics that today’s young people must navigate.

Producer Mark Huls deserves credit for his deft touch in the mixing and mastering process, finding the sweet spot between polished professionalism and raw authenticity. The production allows the band’s natural energy to shine through while maintaining the kind of sonic clarity that lets each element breathe in the mix. This balance serves the material well, particularly during the instrumental bridge where the repeated refrain “(Leave them on their own)” creates a haunting atmosphere that underscores the song’s themes of isolation and survival.

The composition itself shows remarkable restraint, building tension through verses that simmer with contained energy before exploding into choruses that feel earned rather than formulaic. The decision to include an instrumental break punctuated by those ghostly backing vocals demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of dynamic contrast that belies the band members’ youth.

Lyrically, the track presents a compelling narrative about social pressure and conformity. Lines like “They can’t recognize their own lies/Stop or your asking for it” reveal a sharp observation of how groups can turn on individuals who step out of line. The repetitive structure of “They’re always right around the corner/Don’t say I didn’t warn you” creates an effective sense of paranoia and urgency that drives the song forward.

The band’s technical execution throughout the track showcases the benefits of mentorship without losing their distinctive voice. While Huls’ guidance is evident in the professional quality of the recording, the performance retains an organic quality that speaks to the band’s natural chemistry. The interplay between instruments during the bridge section, in particular, demonstrates a level of musicianship that many veteran bands would envy.

Perhaps most impressive is how the song manages to address complex social dynamics without falling into the trap of simplistic answers or moral absolutes. The lyrics acknowledge the gray areas of social survival, particularly in lines like “It’s your choice/But it’s obvious,” suggesting an understanding that sometimes difficult choices must be made in challenging situations.

Akers’ vocal performance deserves special mention, not just for its technical proficiency but for its emotional authenticity. Her delivery carries the weight of the lyrics without forcing or overplaying the drama inherent in the material. It’s a remarkably nuanced performance that serves the song rather than showcasing individual talent at the expense of the whole.

The track’s success lies in its ability to present youth perspective without either condescension or unearned world-weariness. American Standards has created something genuine and compelling with “One by One,” suggesting that this young band’s future bears watching with keen interest.