B-Side Guys

Growing up requires surrendering the illusion that difficult periods serve clear narrative purposes when Kieran Alexander documents temporal struggle through indie rock introspection and collaborative vulnerability. “hard month” operates without offering resolution or transformation, instead presenting sustained discomfort as valid emotional territory worth musical exploration. Alexander’s approach to songwriting resists the pressure to extract meaning from suffering, allowing difficult experiences to exist as artistic material without requiring them to teach lessons.

Robbie Carman’s lap steel contributions create atmospheric foundation that supports rather than decorates Alexander’s emotional excavation. The instrument’s natural melancholy provides perfect textural counterpoint to the indie-folk roots that ground Wilshaw’s sound, while 90s alt rock influences prevent the track from becoming overly precious or acoustic-bound. This genre-blending demonstrates artistic confidence that allows different musical elements to serve the song’s needs rather than forcing stylistic cohesion.

Jowan Mead’s backing vocals add crucial harmonic dimension that transforms individual struggle into communal experience. Rather than emphasizing Alexander’s isolation, the collaborative vocal approach suggests that difficult periods often benefit from external perspective and emotional support. This production choice reflects the broader EP’s development through friendships and creative partnerships rather than solitary artistic vision.

Paul Pascoe’s mastering work balances the track’s intimate confession with sonic scope that matches the emotional weight of sustained psychological difficulty. The production doesn’t try to make depression sound appealing or aesthetically pleasing, instead creating audio framework that honors the genuine discomfort while making it accessible to listeners who may not share the specific experience.

Alexander’s evolution from indie-folk foundation toward more complex musical territory mirrors the personal growth that difficult periods can catalyze without romanticizing the process itself. The track suggests that artistic development often requires sitting with uncomfortable emotions long enough to understand their texture rather than rushing toward resolution.

Sometimes the most honest thing you can say about a hard month is that it was hard, without needing to justify why it mattered or what it taught you.