B-Side Guys

The evolution of Los Angeles shoegaze outfit OSNOVA takes a compelling turn with “Climbing Dues,” a track that masterfully balances ethereal soundscapes with pointed social commentary. Building on the foundation laid by their 2024 release “Waiting for June,” the band pushes their sonic boundaries while honing their distinctive voice in the modern shoegaze landscape.

Guitarist Jean-Claude Vorgeack’s layered instrumentation creates a dense wall of sound that simultaneously crushes and caresses, while Sam Ribeyro’s thoughtful drumwork provides a steady foundation that prevents the track from dissolving into pure atmosphere. The production achieves a delicate balance between clarity and chaos, allowing individual elements to shine through the characteristic shoegaze haze without sacrificing the genre’s essential dreamlike quality.

Caroline McLaughlin’s vocals emerge as the perfect counterpoint to the instrumental turbulence. Her delivery shifts effortlessly between commanding presence and vulnerable introspection, particularly evident in the haunting refrain of “That’ll do, that’ll do.” The repetitive nature of these phrases, coupled with lines like “Trade for new/Close the loop,” reinforces the song’s themes of societal cycles and forced obsolescence.

The lyrics paint a stark picture of generational burnout, with references to “Higher dues/Climbing dues” and “Swill your wine/Grind your food” creating a narrative of performative success masking deeper disillusionment. McLaughlin’s theatrical background shines through in her ability to infuse seemingly simple phrases with layers of meaning, particularly in the contrast between “So alive” and “Feigned amuse.”

OSNOVA demonstrates remarkable growth with this release, successfully merging the textural expectations of shoegaze with incisive social commentary. The band’s combination of Vorgeack’s alternative music pedigree, Ribeyro’s nuanced percussion, and McLaughlin’s dynamic vocals creates something both familiar and fresh in the dream pop landscape. “Climbing Dues” stands as a testament to their evolving artistry, proving that shoegaze can be both sonically immersive and thematically relevant.