B-Side Guys

Naylor Stone emerges from the shadows of his former band FLYWAY with “The Game of They,” a six-track EP that reveals a songwriter finding his individual voice without abandoning his collaborative instincts. After contributing to the New Orleans alt-rock outfit’s “Decade of Rock & Roll, Vol 1” (2016) and “The Whispers and The Whines” (2020), Stone’s solo debut carves out distinct territory where Gen X punk sensibilities meet Americana storytelling through carefully crafted songs that resist easy categorization.

Opening track “If It Wasn’t For The Trees” establishes Stone’s sonic approach through carefully structured simplicity. Guitar, drums, and piano create space rather than filling it, allowing his distinctive vocal melodies to carry both narrative and emotion. The production maintains natural warmth while capturing performance nuances, particularly in Stone’s vocal delivery, which shifts between contemplative verses and more assertive choruses. His lyrics explore connections between nature and emotional states, using vivid imagery that avoids typical singer-songwriter clichés.

“The Game of They” serves as the EP’s thematic centerpiece, exploring existential questions through accessible rock frameworks. Stone’s lyrics examine societal expectations with both frustration and hope, while the arrangement builds from acoustic foundations into fuller rock territory with a steady 112 BPM pulse in A minor. His vocal approach particularly impresses here, conveying complex emotions without resorting to obvious dynamic shifts or melodramatic delivery. The repeated question of “who do you turn to” creates both musical hook and philosophical inquiry.

The EP’s middle section reveals Stone’s diverse influences without losing cohesion. “Love Me, Little Lazy” incorporates subtle jazz elements through its chord progressions and rhythm section work, while “In The Meantime” draws from country storytelling traditions with particular attention to narrative detail. These stylistic explorations never feel forced because Stone’s distinctive vocal approach and straightforward production choices maintain consistent identity across different genre territories while allowing each track room to develop its own musical personality.

“Top Me Up” best demonstrates Stone’s gift for combining seemingly disparate influences into something cohesive. The track’s blues foundations support melodies that wouldn’t sound out of place in indie rock circles, while the arrangement demonstrates sophisticated understanding of tension and release. This natural genre-blending stems from years spent absorbing American musical traditions rather than calculated commercial considerations, creating something both familiar and fresh.

Closing track “With All My Friends” synthesizes the EP’s various elements while introducing new textures through background vocals and additional percussion. The production maintains live-performance energy while adding subtle studio enhancements that support rather than obscure the song’s emotional core. This balance between polish and authenticity runs throughout the EP’s twenty-four minutes, suggesting an artist who respects studio craft while prioritizing performance energy.

Stone’s background in New Orleans’ music scene informs these recordings without defining them. His understanding of the city’s diverse musical traditions allows him to incorporate various influences without resorting to pastiche or appropriation. The result captures an artist with deep musical knowledge who prioritizes genuine expression over genre conformity.

Throughout these six tracks, Stone’s vocals remain the consistent element that ties diverse musical approaches together. His low-to-mid-range delivery conveys both authority and vulnerability, particularly effective in the EP’s more reflective moments. The production throughout emphasizes clarity without sacrificing warmth, creating recordings that sound contemporary without chasing obvious trends.

“The Game of They” succeeds as both introduction to Stone’s solo work and statement about navigating personal identity in challenging times. These six tracks suggest an artist comfortable working outside traditional industry categories, creating music that respects various American traditions while maintaining contemporary relevance. For listeners seeking authentic songwriting that bridges rock, folk, and Americana without falling into routine formulas, Stone’s debut EP offers refreshing alternative that rewards repeated listening through careful attention to both sonic detail and lyrical depth.