B-Side Guys

Perpetual motion fuels creativity. This fundamental truth pulses through “Destination Unknown,” the latest funk offering from The Ries Brothers, co-written with Nick Hexum of 311 fame and produced by Jared Alexander Masters.

Released under SKP Records, the track transforms the concept of directionless travel into a liberating ethos rather than an anxious condition. Opening with twilight imagery—”When the sun goes down and the moon comes up”—the lyrics immediately establish movement as the central character’s natural state. What distinguishes this nomadic anthem from conventional road songs is its celebration of harsh elements as welcome companions: “When the snow and the wind whip in my face/I smile and say what a place for me.”

The recurring chorus declaration—”My destination is unknown”—functions less as confession than manifesto, transforming uncertainty from burden to badge of honor. This philosophical stance carries particular resonance in our GPS-dominated era where spontaneous wandering has become increasingly rare. The Ries Brothers reclaim this lost adventurous spirit through propulsive rhythms that physically embody forward momentum.

Midway through, the track’s narrative takes an unexpected turn toward romantic disillusionment and vigilante imagery. Lines about bullets in the chest and setting fire to towns introduce a provocative darkness that complicates the freewheeling opening verses. This tonal shift suggests that the protagonist’s nomadic lifestyle might be less choice than necessity—perhaps fleeing failed romance or past misdeeds.

Musically, the production balances vintage funk touchstones with contemporary sensibilities. The wordless “Ooo oo” vocal motifs serve dual purpose—providing hooky accessibility while mimicking the meditative hum of highway miles passing underneath wheels. The directive to “Keep moving on” forms both lyrical conclusion and philosophical summation of the track’s core message.

Director Gentle Giant Digital translates these themes visually in the accompanying music video, presumably capturing the restless energy that defines both the song and the band’s artistic trajectory. Under David Parnes’ management, The Ries Brothers continue developing their distinctively rootless musical identity—one that finds paradoxical freedom in acknowledging life’s inherent directionlessness.

“Destination Unknown” ultimately succeeds by transforming potential existential dread into danceable celebration. The Ries Brothers capture that fleeting exhilaration of throwing away the map and embracing whatever lies beyond the next horizon—a sentiment that resonates far beyond literal travel into life’s broader uncertainties.