B-Side Guys

Some musical encounters happen too early to forget. South London’s McCabe, introduced to Prince at age seven by his father, channels decades of absorbed influence through “Days of Heaven,” a track that transforms Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” blueprint into something that captures summer romance while acknowledging its inevitable conclusion. Working with producer Patrick James Fitzroy, McCabe has crafted what he describes as “escapism for the listener” that refuses to ignore the melancholy underneath its sunshine exterior.

The Motown textures provide rich foundation for McCabe’s falsetto delivery—a vocal register he rejected for years after his voice broke before embracing it at 24 for this project. His approach channels elements of Justin Timberlake and Thee Sacred Souls while maintaining the kind of artistic vision that connects George Michael’s mainstream appeal to Anderson .Paak’s contemporary innovation. The spirit of Marvin Gaye resonates throughout without feeling like imitation.

Lyrically, McCabe presents love at first sight as both magical experience and ticking clock. His description of the track having “story-like quality… like a novel” reflects his stream-of-consciousness approach that abandons traditional songwriting structures. Rather than constructing verses and choruses, he allows the narrative to flow naturally, creating what feels like observed experience rather than crafted entertainment.

The production choices support this narrative intelligence perfectly. Crisp percussion and uplifting melodies create the “feel-good and summery” world McCabe intended, while choir-like harmonies in the chorus provide moments of pure joy. Yet the hint of impending expiry he mentions prevents the track from becoming saccharine, adding emotional depth that makes repeated listening rewarding.

Growing up around venues like Brixton Windmill, McCabe absorbed diverse influences from Mac Miller and Frank Ocean to Massive Attack and Public Image Ltd., developing what he calls “Experimental Soul.” “Days of Heaven” demonstrates how this genre-bending approach can honor retro soul traditions while pushing into contemporary territory that feels both timeless and current.

The track serves as second glimpse into his debut LP Sunset Boulevard, suggesting an artist capable of balancing mainstream accessibility with genuine artistic innovation—someone who understands that the best escapist music acknowledges reality even while providing temporary refuge from it.