B-Side Guys

Evolution often occurs gradually, then suddenly reveals itself fully formed. This trajectory perfectly describes Soot Sprite’s journey from Elise Cook’s solitary lo-fi bedroom project to the thunderous shoegaze outfit showcased on “Vicious Cycles,” the final single before their debut album “Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon” arrives next month.

The track opens with immediately immersive guitar work—shimmering textures that establish emotional atmosphere before any word is spoken. This instrumental introduction creates crucial negative space, allowing listeners to situate themselves within the sonic environment before Cook’s vocals enter the conversation. When her voice does emerge, it carries both fragility and determination, embodying the song’s central tension between past damage and present resilience.

What separates “Vicious Cycles” from standard shoegaze fare is its structural intelligence. Rather than relying solely on textural washes to create emotional impact, the composition employs deliberate dynamic shifts that mirror the psychological states described in the lyrics. Moments of relative calm suggest attempted recovery, while noisier passages evoke the disruptive intrusion of past relationship patterns. This architectural approach transforms abstract emotional territory into visceral experience.

Cook describes the song as addressing “patterns of behaviour and the damage done in previous relationships,” specifically highlighting the lingering “fear of retribution for the smallest of hiccups.” This thematic focus on psychological aftermath rather than the relationship itself demonstrates creative maturity—examining not just what happened but how past experiences continue shaping present perception. The lyrical image “Can’t wash off the oil from your spill” perfectly captures this persistent contamination.

The production strikes ideal balance between fuzzy warmth and crystalline clarity, creating dimensional depth that enhances rather than obscures emotional intent. Each instrumental element occupies distinct space while contributing to collective atmosphere—guitars provide both textural foundation and melodic counterpoint, while rhythm section elements create forward momentum without dominating the mix.

As final preview of their forthcoming debut LP, “Vicious Cycles” positions Soot Sprite as band that has significantly transcended their origins without abandoning what made them compelling initially. The evolution from bedroom pop project to full touring outfit has clearly expanded their sonic palette without diluting their emotional directness.

The album title “Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon” suggests defiant optimism rather than passive acceptance—an attitude embodied in this single’s unflinching examination of relationship trauma. By transforming painful patterns into powerful music, Soot Sprite demonstrates precisely how creative expression can function as emotional armament against apathy and resignation.