B-Side Guys

Creative authenticity emerges through accumulated experiences rather than manufactured personas. Gobe’s latest EP demonstrates how personal upheaval can fuel genuine artistic expression when filtered through disciplined songwriting and genre-fluid production choices. These five tracks capture the Pompano Beach artist’s evolution from bedroom producer to distinctive voice capable of bridging South Florida’s gritty rap traditions with coastal rock accessibility.

The thirteen-minute runtime reflects editorial confidence that prioritizes impact over duration. Rather than padding the collection with unnecessary material, Gobe has created concentrated statement that treats each track as essential component of larger emotional narrative. This brevity forces every moment to serve specific purpose within the EP’s exploration of healing, connection, and self-discovery.

Opening track “for once in my life” establishes the collection’s central theme through what Rival Magazine describes as “the feeling when everything outside is still a mess, but something inside finally clicks into place.” The track demonstrates Gobe’s matured approach to vulnerability—rather than wallowing in confusion, he creates space for genuine breakthrough moments that feel earned rather than forced. The production supports this emotional pivot through arrangement choices that mirror internal transformation.

“under my skin” explores the persistence of emotional wounds and attachment patterns that resist simple resolution. The track’s title suggests both intimacy and irritation, capturing how meaningful relationships can simultaneously heal and complicate recovery processes. Gobe’s vocal delivery navigates this complexity without offering false comfort or cynical dismissal.

“sun leaves scars” presents compelling paradox through its title—how healing environments can simultaneously mark us permanently. The concept reflects Gobe’s South Florida roots, where coastal beauty coexists with personal struggle. The track demonstrates his ability to find universal themes within specific geographic and cultural contexts, creating music that honors regional identity while maintaining broader resonance.

“phone aches (feat. Brooke Martin)” addresses contemporary relationship dynamics through technology metaphors that feel authentic rather than forced. The collaboration with Brooke Martin adds dimension to the EP’s exploration of connection and isolation, creating dialogue that enhances rather than complicates Gobe’s central narrative. The track examines how digital communication can both bridge and create distance between people seeking genuine connection.

Closing track “see through my eyes” functions as both EP summation and invitation for deeper understanding. The title track positioning demonstrates confidence in the collection’s central concept—Gobe has created work that rewards extended engagement while remaining accessible to casual listeners. The track balances personal specificity with universal appeal, avoiding both navel-gazing introspection and calculated relatability.

The EP’s genre-blending approach reflects Gobe’s musical upbringing and artistic development rather than trend-chasing experimentalism. His combination of indie pop, rock, hip-hop, and punk elements emerges from authentic influences—classic rock played by his father at beach gatherings, local rap legends like Kodak Black, and his own experimentation with production techniques learned through YouTube tutorials and MacBook sessions.

The production throughout maintains organic warmth that supports rather than overwhelms the essential songwriting. Gobe’s background in mixing and engineering serves the material well, creating professional polish without sacrificing the intimacy required for emotional communication. The beach rock influences provide foundation while hip-hop elements add rhythmic complexity that keeps the material dynamic.

Critical recognition from outlets like EARMILK, which praises Gobe’s “mesmerizing blend of indie pop, rock, hip hop, reggae, punk and more,” reflects genuine artistic achievement rather than regional loyalty or niche market success. Too Much Love’s observation about his “masterful” vocal delivery that strikes “balance between playful and enchanting” identifies specific technical skills serving larger artistic purposes.

Gobe’s personal narrative—from childhood surfing sessions through parental divorce to baseball injury that redirected his focus toward music—provides authentic foundation for the EP’s themes without overwhelming the artistic content. His commitment to making “music that feels like me, feels like my hometown, feels like the beach and all of the experiences that I went through” creates genuine regional identity rather than tourist-friendly Florida stereotypes.

The streaming success—over 2.4 million plays across platforms—suggests audience hunger for authentic artistic expression that addresses contemporary emotional challenges without resorting to manufactured drama or false optimism. Tracks like “Live A Little” reaching 300k Spotify streams indicate sustainable fanbase development rather than viral flash-in-the-pan success.

Most importantly, see through my eyes succeeds because Gobe treats his stated mission—making people “feel better when they listen to my music and feel like they’re not alone”—as artistic challenge rather than marketing slogan. The EP creates genuine space for healing and connection without sacrificing the complexity required for lasting artistic impact.

The collection establishes Gobe as artist capable of sustained creative development while maintaining the authenticity that defines his appeal. see through my eyes provides foundation for future exploration while serving immediate needs for emotional processing and community building among listeners navigating similar struggles.