B-Side Guys

Sprinkled guitar textures cascade through layers of effect pedals in “Who We Were,” the latest single from Los Angeles-based artist Sean Massaro. The track demonstrates his ability to merge shoegaze atmospherics with emotional directness, creating something that feels both ethereal and grounded.

The production balances “heavy guitars” with delicate touches, allowing each element space to breathe while building to powerful crescendos. This careful attention to dynamics reflects Massaro’s philosophy of ensuring all instruments complement each other, creating a cohesive sonic landscape rather than competing for attention.

Strong vocals cut through the instrumental haze with clarity and purpose, suggesting Massaro’s background in crafting lyrics from poetry. Though the track draws from shoegaze traditions of buried vocals and walls of sound, his commitment to emotional connection prevents the human element from getting lost in the effects.

The song’s structure demonstrates Massaro’s evolution as an artist, incorporating various stylistic elements while maintaining a clear vision. This approach aligns with his stated method of pulling from different styles to keep the music interesting, though here the influences feel fully integrated rather than merely referenced.

Each section of the track reveals new layers of texture, rewarding repeated listening with previously unnoticed details. The “sprinkly, heavy guitars” create a paradoxical effect – simultaneously weightless and massive – that matches the contemplative nature suggested by the title.

As a solo artist who emerged from earlier band projects, Massaro shows particular skill in creating full arrangements that never feel overcrowded. The track’s ethereal quality comes not just from effects processing but from thoughtful choices about space and arrangement.

The production maintains careful balance between alternative rock’s emotional directness and shoegaze’s tendency toward beautiful abstraction. This combination creates something that feels both contemporary and connected to established traditions within both genres.

“Who We Were” stands as evidence of an artist who has found his voice through careful consideration of what to keep and what to leave behind. The track demonstrates Massaro’s ability to craft complex emotional landscapes through sound while maintaining the directness needed to forge genuine connection with listeners.

As a single, it suggests an artist continuing to evolve while staying true to his core musical values. The result is both atmospheric and affecting, proving that sometimes the best way to move forward is to thoughtfully reconsider who we were.