B-Side Guys

Some songs carry weight far beyond their melody, and The East Pointers’ latest single “Anniversary” bears the gravity of both loss and redemption. Released through Nettwerk, this first offering since 2023 marks more than just new music – it’s a celebration of life-changing decisions and enduring brotherhood.

Tim Chaisson and Jake Charron, the JUNO Award-winning duo, craft a deeply personal tribute to their late bandmate Koady Chaisson, whose journey to sobriety 11 years ago inspired this luminous track. The production masterfully balances contemporary folk-pop sensibilities with traditional roots, laying a steady, driving beat beneath shimmering vocal harmonies that feel like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

This careful fusion of genres – a hallmark of the band’s sound since their 2015 debut – takes on new meaning here. The instrumentation builds with purpose, each element adding to a tapestry of hope rather than simply showcasing the band’s considerable technical prowess. It’s a reminder that The East Pointers’ evolution from traditional roots to modern folk innovators has always been guided by emotional authenticity rather than trend-chasing.

The track’s immediate creation in the studio, which Chaisson describes as feeling like Koady “was in the room with us,” translates into an organic urgency in the final mix. Rather than dwelling in grief, “Anniversary” channels its energy into forward momentum, mirroring its theme of positive transformation. The chorus of backing vocals creates a sense of community that extends beyond the band, inviting listeners to find their own victories worth celebrating.

For a group whose career has been marked by constant evolution – from kitchen party roots to international stages, from traditional forms to electronic-tinged arrangements – “Anniversary” feels like both a homecoming and a new beginning. It’s a powerful reminder that while change is inevitable, it’s our choice whether to be dragged by it or to dance through it. The East Pointers, even in the face of profound loss, choose to dance.