B-Side Guys

Opening with gentle waves of distortion that part like curtains, Meagre Martin’s “Frankie” reveals its heart with the disarming confession “I can’t help but smile.” It’s a fitting introduction to a track that transforms submission into strength, vulnerability into armor, crafted by Berlin-based songwriter Sarah Martin and her bandmates Freddy and Max.

The production masterfully balances ethereal textures with grounded rhythmic elements, creating a sonic landscape that feels both vast and intimate. Each layer of instrumentation serves the song’s emotional arc, from the dreamy guitar work that floats above the mix to the steady pulse of the rhythm section anchoring Martin’s revelatory vocals.

Martin’s delivery of lines like “I look at you like a child” and “I would do anything you want me to do” carries a raw honesty that cuts through the wall of sound. These confessions of devotion avoid feeling precious or overwrought, instead landing with the weight of hard-won self-awareness. The shoegaze elements serve not to obscure but to amplify the vulnerability in her voice.

The song’s structure builds around the mantra-like repetition of “Never gonna fall down, not when I’m with you,” each iteration gaining power through the growing instrumental swells. This architectural approach to composition shows the band’s grasp of dynamics, understanding when to hold back and when to let the waves of sound crash forward.

There’s a fascinating tension between the lyrics’ complete surrender and the muscular confidence of the band’s performance. When Martin sings “Easy come, easy go,” the phrase takes on multiple meanings, suggesting both acceptance and defiance. The track’s exploration of power dynamics extends beyond its literal subject matter into the very fabric of its arrangement.

As an American artist working in Berlin’s indie scene, Martin brings a unique perspective to the shoegaze tradition. The project, born from seeking “meaning in a crumbling global climate,” transforms personal catharsis into universal experience. This context adds additional layers to lines like “Holding out for some time / Holding tight ’cause it’s not enough.”

Fresh from their Pitchfork London appearance and a grueling schedule of 55 shows in 2024, the band sounds remarkably focused and assured. The track’s production captures both the intimacy of their songwriting and the expansive sound they’ve developed through relentless live performance, suggesting that their upcoming EP “Up To Snuff” might mark a significant milestone in their evolution.

“Frankie” serves as both love letter and mission statement, showcasing a band that’s found their voice by fearlessly exploring vulnerability. As a preview of their Valentine’s Day 2025 EP release, it suggests Meagre Martin is ready to push beyond the boundaries of traditional shoegaze into something more personally and politically resonant.