B-Side Guys

Born from Bristol’s open mic scene, Sol Feo transforms nocturnal restlessness into dancefloor liberation on “Emerald,” a standout track from their debut EP. The six-piece outfit bottles lightning here, creating an anthem for those moments when staying home feels like crawling up walls.

Hannah Wood’s lead vocals float above the mix like smoke in a basement venue, while sister Heather’s harmonies add depth to lines like “We don’t need to do what we’re told.” This sibling synchronicity provides a human touch to the track’s mechanistic groove, built on Max Dowding’s punchy breaks rhythms and Zohar Neu’s funk-infused basslines.

The production draws from Sol Feo’s broad palette of influences without becoming derivative. Brennan Magee’s psychedelic guitar work recalls early Red Hot Chili Peppers filtered through Bristol’s trip-hop legacy, while Phil Farmer’s cinematic keys add textural complexity that nods to Portishead without mimicking them.

Lyrically, “Emerald” celebrates the democratic nature of dance culture. “The songs don’t even have to be that good/Just a sweet escape from your neighbourhood” isn’t self-deprecation – it’s an acknowledgment that transcendence often comes from surrender rather than perfection. The imagery of “people dressed so elegantly” contrasts with the primal need to move, highlighting the tension between social performance and genuine release.

For a band that preaches “inclusive individuality,” this track practices what they preach. It’s a celebration of collective escape that maintains its indie rock edge while embracing dance music’s communal spirit. When Wood sings “This is how we come alive,” it feels less like a statement and more like an invitation – to step out into the cool moonlight and find your own emerald-tinted liberation.