B-Side Guys

Street corner vulnerability requires musical vulnerability to match, and The Altered Hours understand this equation perfectly. “Turn Away” emerges from Cathal MacGabhann’s cinematic vision of someone waiting nervously for a date, transforming that specific moment of urban anticipation into universal exploration of romantic doubt and flickering hope.

The band’s decision to record straight-to-tape with Julie McLarnon demonstrates commitment to capturing genuine performance energy rather than studio perfection. This approach serves the song’s emotional immediacy—MacGabhann’s vocals feel present and unguarded, delivered with the kind of honesty that only emerges when artists trust their instincts over endless revision processes.

Their Cork origins provide geographic grounding for the urban scene MacGabhann describes, but the emotional territory maps onto any city where people wait on dim streets wondering if connection will materialize. The production balances shoegaze atmospherics with garage-rock directness, understanding that some romantic anxiety requires both dreamy textures and raw energy to properly convey.

The Altered Hours’ evolution since 2010 shows clearly in their comfort with sonic restraint. Rather than overwhelming listeners with effects-heavy arrangements, they allow guitar textures to support rather than dominate the central narrative. Their experience sharing stages with The Brian Jonestown Massacre and touring with Fontaines D.C. appears to have taught them when musical sophistication serves emotional expression and when it simply shows off.

MacGabhann’s description of completing the track in two takes reflects a band that’s developed genuine chemistry through years of collaboration. The co-written lyrics emerging in “one sitting” suggests creative partnership that operates beyond individual ego, where ideas can develop organically rather than through forced construction.

The upcoming self-titled album’s November release promises to capture more of this immediate, unfiltered approach. “Turn Away” positions The Altered Hours as artists who’ve learned to channel their live energy into recorded form without losing the spontaneity that makes their performances compelling.