B-Side Guys

A cow skull and an old highway sign set the stage for “How Long?”, the latest single from Jeremy & The Harlequins that transforms automotive breakdown into existential crisis. The track proves that even in an age of GPS and roadside assistance, the American desert hasn’t lost its power to strip travelers down to their essence.

The band, known for catching the ear of Bruce Springsteen guitarist Stevie Van Zandt’s Underground Garage show, demonstrates their cinematic storytelling capabilities throughout. Producer Mike Abiuso captures a sonic landscape as vast as the setting, creating space for each element while maintaining the track’s gritty edge.

The narrative unfolds through vivid imagery that feels both classic and contemporary. When the protagonist is “Stranded out in the desert sun / Waitin’ on the cavalry to come,” the cavalry could be AAA or actual horsemen – the desperation remains the same. This ambiguity allows the song to transcend simple period piece status.

The chorus’s repeated questioning of “How long?” carries multiple meanings – how long until rescue, how long until sunset, how long can one person endure? The production emphasizes this mounting anxiety, with each repetition adding weight to the existential challenge of “wrestling with the snake” while running out of time.

By the second verse, the initial crisis has transformed into something deeper. Lines like “Free as the tumbleweed rollin’ by / Lone, hollow, and bone dry” suggest that perhaps the real trap isn’t the desert at all, but rather the directionless freedom that brought the narrator here. The observation that “you ain’t free cause you ain’t following your heart” lands with particular impact.

The bridge’s reference to “all the cowboy songs” shows the band’s awareness of the tradition they’re working within while adding their own modern twist. The flat tire mentioned here serves as both literal predicament and metaphor for life’s unexpected setbacks, proving that desert wisdom remains relevant even in contemporary contexts.

Following their work with Yep Roc Records (home to Nick Lowe and Alejandro Escovedo), this single suggests Jeremy & The Harlequins continue to refine their approach to American storytelling. Their experience performing alongside acts like Chuck Prophet has clearly influenced their ability to craft narratives that feel both personal and universal.

The track’s mid-tempo pace serves its story perfectly, creating a sense of time stretched thin by heat and desperation. Each musical element – from the instrumentation to the production choices – reinforces the feeling of being caught between movement and stasis, action and acceptance.

“How Long?” proves Jeremy & The Harlequins’ ability to mine classic American themes for contemporary relevance. By focusing on the timeless elements of desert survival – physical, spiritual, and emotional – they’ve created a modern Western that speaks to both ancient fears and current anxieties.