B-Side Guys

First impressions matter in indie rock, and Cabin Beat’s third single “Reach Out” wastes no time making its statement. The North Yorkshire trio—Riley on drums, Keir on bass, and songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Will—have crafted a track that BBC Introducing has already championed, and with good reason. From its urgent opening progression to the chorus that arrives at the 0:28 mark like an unexpected emotional rescue, the song demonstrates a band rapidly finding their distinctive voice.

What distinguishes “Reach Out” from countless other tracks exploring isolation is how its musical architecture complements its thematic journey. The verses establish a sense of entrapment with their controlled tension, particularly evident in lines describing being “stuck inside an hourglass that turns too slow.” This temporal anxiety gives way to the expansive chorus where the repeated plea to “reach out” transforms individual struggle into collective possibility.

The three-piece arrangement creates remarkable fullness without unnecessary ornamentation. Riley’s drumming provides both propulsion and dynamics, while Keir’s bass work adds melodic counterpoint rather than merely holding down the low end. Will’s vocals navigate vulnerability and determination, particularly when delivering the paradoxical observation that “every man’s an island” while simultaneously reaching for connection.

When the guitar solo arrives at 2:35, it serves as more than technical display—it functions as emotional catharsis, translating the lyrical content into instrumental expression. The production choices enhance this moment, allowing the solo to soar without overwhelming the rhythm section’s steady foundation.

Formed in 2023, Cabin Beat demonstrates remarkable cohesion for a relatively new outfit. Their quick progression from writing this track in October 2024 to performing and recording it by year’s end suggests a band with clear creative vision and efficient collaborative process. The result is music that feels both urgent and carefully crafted.

The recurring imagery of drowning and reaching out creates thematic consistency without becoming repetitive, while the refrain of “I’m down but I’ll be saved” offers tentative optimism rather than easy resolution. “Reach Out” stands as evidence that some of the most affecting indie rock emerges not from technical complexity but from emotional authenticity channeled through focused arrangement. The Selby trio has indeed delivered their best yet.