B-Side Guys

North Hollywood’s Jet Lag Fuel has dropped their second single “Feeder,” a visceral throwback to alternative rock’s golden era that manages to sound both pleasantly familiar and refreshingly vital. Released three weeks ago, this four-piece has crafted a sonic time machine that transports listeners to the flannel-draped landscapes of early ’90s Seattle while maintaining enough contemporary edge to avoid mere nostalgia.

The band’s Craigslist origin story—guitarist Filip Ilic connecting with drummer Daniel Brown over shared Melvins appreciation—manifests clearly in “Feeder’s” production choices. The guitar tones achieve that distinctive thick, overdriven quality pioneered by bands like Helmet and Hum, with deliberate palm-muted passages that explode into walls of controlled distortion. This textural contrast creates a compelling tension throughout the track’s runtime, mimicking the emotional volatility expressed in the lyrics.

What distinguishes “Feeder” from countless homages to the grunge era is how the lyrics and vocal delivery work in tandem. Geiger’s lyrics directly confront power dynamics with biting lines like “You think you’re better than me?” – a phrase that becomes both accusation and wounded refrain throughout the song. The confrontational opening questions (“What do you expect from me? / I’m sick of the pleasantries”) establish the combative tone that runs through the entire track. Jacob Dendy’s delivery of these lines possesses that quintessential early ’90s quality—passionate yet disaffected, angry yet vulnerable—without devolving into caricature.

The rhythm section deserves particular attention, with Carlos Ritchie’s bass providing both melodic counterpoint and thunderous foundation. Brown’s drumming employs the kind of deliberately understated verses and explosive choruses that defined the alternative rock era, creating dynamic shifts that feel earned rather than formulaic. The production wisely keeps the instrumentation relatively unpolished, preserving the human elements that give the song its emotional weight.

“Feeder” demonstrates how Jet Lag Fuel has evolved since their debut single “Nothing Left to Undo,” showcasing tighter arrangements while maintaining the rough-edged intensity that defines their sound. The track represents a compelling synthesis of their stated influences—combining the melodic sensibilities of today’s LA indie rock scene with the weight and directness of ’90s alternative pioneers.

For listeners who’ve worn out their Soundgarden and Smashing Pumpkins records seeking that perfect blend of heaviness and hooks, Jet Lag Fuel offers a fresh fix of familiar medicine—proving that sometimes looking backward is the most authentic way to move forward.