B-Side Guys

Displacement often breeds unexpected creative alchemy. When five multi-instrumentalists transplant themselves from various corners of the world to Nice, France, the resulting musical fusion might seem unlikely—’70s Americana filtered through Mediterranean light, Muddy Waters attitude channeled through palm tree-framed windows. On their debut EP “You Shine The Sun,” The Sons of Guns prove that geographic dislocation can enhance rather than dilute musical identity, creating 21 minutes of sun-kissed folk rock that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.

Released June 12th, this six-track collection serves as what the band describes as “a snapshot of the journey so far,” documenting years of music-making and the bond between five musicians who discovered that their shared love of playing transcends individual backgrounds. The EP emerges from a band that has earned attention through live performances—including surprise jams with Rick Astley and Joss Stone—and demonstrates why their late-night party atmosphere translates effectively to recorded format.

Opening title track “You Shine The Sun” establishes the collection’s philosophical foundation through uplifting melody that avoids forced optimism. The band’s approach to vocal harmonies immediately recalls Crosby, Stills & Nash—one of their cited influences—while maintaining distinct contemporary edge. Their multi-instrumentalist approach becomes evident through layered arrangements that never feel cluttered, suggesting musicians who understand that restraint often serves songs better than technical display.

“Hollywood” provides necessary contrast through what the band describes as “haunting tones,” proving their range extends beyond feel-good territory. The track demonstrates sophisticated understanding of dynamic range, creating space where individual instruments can breathe while maintaining cohesive band sound. This balance reflects their collaborative songwriting process—starting with solo demos before bringing ideas to the full band, allowing everyone who has contributions to try them.

“Freewheeler” captures the kind of infectious groove that has made The Sons of Guns festival highlights, its title perfectly embodying the band’s approach to both music and life. The track showcases their ability to create hypnotic rhythms without sacrificing melodic sophistication, demonstrating why their live performances generate the kind of spontaneous energy that attracts established artists for impromptu collaborations.

“How Much I Loved Her So” explores romantic territory through arrangements that recall classic Americana while incorporating subtle European influences absorbed through their Nice environment. The band’s reverence for ’70s sounds never feels like mere pastiche—instead, they use familiar musical language to express contemporary emotions, creating timeless quality that transcends specific eras.

Lead single “It’s Getting Better” emerges as the EP’s most immediate offering, its “boogie-ish flow with country twang guitar and flourishes of keys and brass” creating the kind of irresistible momentum that makes standing still physically difficult. The track demonstrates the band’s gift for balancing “lightness and substance,” addressing serious themes through arrangements that invite rather than intimidate. The accompanying Dad Dance Championship video concept perfectly captures their playful approach to serious musicianship.

As one band member explains, the song emerged from wanting “something a little less heavy” while drawing from Easy Eye Records releases, solo George Harrison, old Motown, and glam rock influences. This eclectic approach could easily result in confused pastiche, but The Sons of Guns possess the musical chemistry necessary to synthesize diverse influences into coherent personal style.

Closing track “Days Like These” provides appropriate conclusion to a collection that celebrates both musical excellence and simple joy of playing together. The song’s title suggests appreciation for present moments—fitting sentiment for band that has found creative home in unexpected geographic location while maintaining openness to spontaneous collaboration.

Throughout the EP, The Sons of Guns demonstrate understanding that great live bands must translate their energy to recorded format without sacrificing the human interaction that makes their performances compelling. Their aim to make audiences “feel like they’re a part of the show” extends to recorded music through arrangements that create space for listener participation rather than passive consumption.

The band’s name, derived from Muddy Waters lyrics, suggests both luck and western movie imagery—appropriate for musicians who have created their own frontier in the space between American musical traditions and European creative environment. Their approximately 30 recorded songs span “hugely varying influences,” but maintain connection through sincere expression and shared commitment to musical excellence.

For debut EP, “You Shine The Sun” demonstrates remarkable artistic cohesion while suggesting significant potential for future development. The Sons of Guns have created music that honors their influences while establishing distinct identity, proving that sometimes the best way to understand tradition involves transporting it to unfamiliar territory and discovering what survives the journey.

As they continue building audience through festival performances and unexpected collaborations, this collection provides perfect introduction to band that understands music’s capacity for creating community across geographic, cultural, and stylistic boundaries.