B-Side Guys

Some artistic transformations happen in quiet moments rather than dramatic declarations. On “Through and Through,” Scott Scharinger’s debut single as Temporary Drag emerges from the static like a polaroid slowly developing, revealing a songwriter who’s found new colors in familiar pain. The former Dads guitarist/vocalist has crafted something that feels both inevitable and surprising – a shoegaze-tinted reflection that trades mathematic precision for textural depth.

The track’s production allows space for each element to bloom fully, with guitars that curve and bend like light through stained glass. Scharinger’s approach to tone here reveals an appreciation for The Cure’s more introspective moments, though filtered through a distinctly American indie rock sensibility. The result is a sound that feels both intimate and expansive, personal and universal.

Lyrically, “Through and Through” navigates the aftermath of separation with unflinching honesty. Lines like “It’s still a permanent bee sting/You’ve left all over me” demonstrate Scharinger’s gift for finding fresh language for familiar wounds. The repetition of “through and through” throughout the song serves not as mere chorus but as mantra, each iteration carrying new weight as the narrative unfolds.

The instrumental arrangement shows remarkable restraint, building tension through texture rather than volume. While the DNA of Scharinger’s emo revival past remains present in the emotional directness of his delivery, the musical vocabulary has expanded significantly. The guitar work, in particular, reveals an artist who’s internalized influences from across decades – there are moments where you can hear echoes of Dinosaur Jr.’s melodic sense filtered through The Replacements’ heart-on-sleeve authenticity.

What’s most striking about “Through and Through” is its patience. The song never rushes to its emotional peaks, instead allowing each verse to build naturally upon the last. When Scharinger admits “I don’t even want to see any friends,” the isolation in his voice is palpable, enhanced by the cocoon of reverb surrounding the vocals.

The bridge section demonstrates particular maturity in its arrangement, with layers of guitar texture creating a sonic representation of emotional distance. This is where the shoegaze influences shine brightest, though never at the expense of the song’s emotional core. It’s a delicate balance that speaks to Scharinger’s growth as an arranger and producer.

The track’s final third finds strength in repetition, as “And now I’m so sure” transforms from uncertain assertion to hard-won truth. The guitar tones grow more assertive here, suggesting resolution without forcing it, while the rhythm section maintains a steady pulse that grounds the more ethereal elements of the mix.

The production throughout manages to honor both the immediacy of emo and the atmospheric qualities of shoegaze without feeling beholden to either. Each element in the mix serves the song’s emotional arc, from the carefully layered guitars to the purposeful use of space in the arrangement.

“Through and Through” suggests that Temporary Drag isn’t so much a departure from Scharinger’s past work as it is an evolution of it. It’s a track that demonstrates how growth often means finding new ways to tell our stories rather than completely abandoning them. In doing so, Scharinger has created something that honors his musical heritage while pushing firmly into new territory.