B-Side Guys

Arriving as a potent preview of his forthcoming album Big Stage, Jon Lindsay’s “Dear Assassin” demonstrates why this Savannah/NYC-based artist continues to carve out a singular space in contemporary indie rock. Fresh from release, this track showcases Lindsay’s gift for marrying melodic accessibility with lyrical complexity—producing music that rewards both casual listeners and those who prefer to dissect every nuanced phrase.

The production approach on “Dear Assassin” immediately signals Lindsay’s dual geographical existence. Its foundation carries the unhurried warmth of Southern storytelling tradition, yet the arrangement displays metropolitan sophistication—particularly in how space functions as an instrument itself. Recorded at Eric Valentine’s Barefoot Studios in Hollywood, the track benefits from pristine engineering that gives each instrumental element room to breathe without sacrificing cohesion.

Lindsay’s vocal delivery proves particularly compelling, conveying emotional weight through subtle inflection rather than dramatic overstatement. This restraint creates fascinating tension with the song’s incisive lyrical content, which examines personal confrontation through metaphors that blur psychological and physical boundaries. The effect resembles a carefully crafted letter where the measured handwriting belies the unsettling message contained within.

The instrumental arrangement rewards close listening, with Matt Douglas’s horn contributions adding textural depth without overwhelming the composition. These brass accents function not as mere embellishment but as emotional punctuation—emphasizing pivotal moments in the narrative and creating dynamic variation that mirrors the song’s thematic complexity.

What ultimately distinguishes “Dear Assassin” is Lindsay’s ability to balance seemingly contradictory elements: accessibility with sophistication, directness with ambiguity, familiarity with innovation. This equilibrium reflects his diverse musical background—from power pop outfits The Catch Fire and The Young Sons to his ongoing collaboration with Benji Hughes and activist work with NC Music Love Army.

As the lead single from Big Stage (arriving May 16th via Daffin Records), “Dear Assassin” suggests an artist uninterested in creative complacency, continuing to refine his distinctive voice while exploring new sonic territory. For those discovering Lindsay through this track, his back catalog offers three albums worth exploring while awaiting his fourth long-player next month.