Welcome to the Weekend Wrap Up on B-Side Guys, your essential guide to the musical gems you might have missed in the hustle and bustle of the week. As the sun sets on another eventful week, we’ve curated a sonic digest that captures the essence, the rhythms, and the undulating beats of the past few days. Whether it’s a track that slipped under your radar, an artist making waves in the indie undercurrent, or just a tune that’s perfect for that Sunday unwind, we’ve got you covered. Sit back, plug in, and let the melodies take you on a retrospective journey. This is the Weekend Wrap Up – where the music lingers on, long after the weekend is gone.

Amani – “Take Me By The Hand”

“Take Me By The Hand” is more than just a tune—it’s an intimate sojourn. Amani crafts a narrative that carries listeners from the familiar streets of Queens, New York to the rhythmic heartbeats of Rio Grande Valley, Texas. The song explores themes of isolation and connection, echoing sentiments reminiscent of the deep-rooted melancholia in Pink Floyd’s sound, juxtaposed against the current alternative rock ambience akin to Cuco. The chorus, with its repeated plea to “Take me by the hand” and the heartfelt admission, “I don’t wanna be inside a universe where you’re not by my side,” encapsulates a universal sentiment of yearning. These lines, simple yet deeply evocative, serve as an anchor in the midst of swirling emotions and drifting memories, grounding the listener in Amani’s evocative journey.

Born amidst the hustle and cultural mosaic of Queens and later infused with the rich heritage of The Valley, Amani Hiphop brings an undeniable authenticity to the table. His verses draw on both these worlds, paying homage to his roots while intertwining them with his newfound home’s influences. The bridge’s poignant lines, “And don’t say that I did not try… I don’t want to live through this again,” further underscore a sense of introspection, of wrestling with internal struggles while seeking external connection. Amani’s deft blending of old-school influences with modern indie and alternative rock creates a soundscape that is both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary, making “Take Me By The Hand” a transformative musical ride—one that resonates long after the final note fades.

Spirit Ritual – “Ring Around the Rosé”

Nashville’s Spirit Ritual dives headfirst into the cerebral recesses of the mind with their new track “Ring Around the Rosé.” Channeling the spectral elegance reminiscent of the band Men I Trust, Spirit Ritual creates a soundscape that is an eclectic blend of psychedelic rock, indie aesthetics, and the whimsy of dream pop. The track plays with the familiar, children’s rhyme, interweaving it with an adult narrative of missed calls, intoxication, and the ever-elusive chase of connection. Lines like “Can’t find my phone, Can you give it another ring?” juxtapose the lighthearted ring-around-the-rosy childhood games with the adult realities of miscommunication and intoxication—a clever spin on the duality of nostalgia and the trials of modern relationships.

The essence of Spirit Ritual is encapsulated not just in their distinctive sound but in the lyrical journey they craft. The repetition of “Ringing around the rosé” is an eerie callback to childhood, punctuated by the poignant mention of “A pocket full of Jose Cuervo” and “Ashes in the ashtray.” It’s a cyclical dance of memories, both good and bad, reflective of how the Nashville-based band melds familiar themes with fresh perspectives. Having garnered attention from the Edgar Allan Poets blog and the Nashville music scene, Spirit Ritual’s “Ring Around the Rosé” is a testament to the band’s ability to craft music that’s both introspective and universally relatable, a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the nature of connection and disconnection in the modern age.

Mav Mack & GQ – “Disbelief”

In “Disbelief,” Mav Mack and GQ converge at the intersection of aggressive lyrical prowess and kinetic energy, producing an explosion of conscious and alternative hip-hop. From Greensboro, Mav Mack’s dynamism shines through, blending the timbre of old-school boom bap with the melodic undertones of modern hip-hop, especially evident in the chorus’s catchy repetition: “My partner told me everybody can’t do this bruh… This shit a bop aye when it drops I bet they lose it hah.” GQ’s opening verse establishes the track’s swaggering confidence with lines like “See I can tell the way you read yo map you n—— lost,” a sentiment echoed later by Mav Mack’s fierce declaration, “I came into this game just tryna make a lil change.” The resulting track is a bold assertion of their places in the rap scene—both as individual artists and as a collective force.

With echoes of giants like Eminem in their audacity and GQ in their precision, both artists successfully navigate the track with a blend of wit and rawness. Mav Mack’s lines, like “Fire Satan with pens” and “Bitch I’ve taken some hits, my banks taken some Ms,” showcase his lyrical agility and undoubted commitment to his craft, giving nods to both his challenges and triumphs. GQ’s references, including the witty “I burn a wood like a calorie, that’s that Cali in me,” are not just a testament to his adept wordplay but also a reminder of hip-hop’s storied past, intertwining the genre’s heritage with its present. “Disbelief” stands as a testament to the potency of their collaboration and the unyielding momentum of their future in the hip-hop sphere.

A Days Wait & LISA – “Indelible”

With an introspective look into the lasting impressions left by intimate connections, “Indelible” by A Days Wait & LISA creates an emotive journey that’s both contemplative and sonically invigorating. The track, enveloped in a dreamy ambiance reminiscent of acts like Day Wave and Hazel English, captures the ineffable feeling of nostalgia and the lingering imprints of past relationships. LISA’s guest vocals add a soft richness, a mellifluous counterpart to the instrumentals, evoking a sense of ethereal beauty and providing a memorable, velvety texture to the piece.

Lyrically, “Indelible” is a poignant reflection on memory and connection. The lines “Saw your reflection in my eyes, In the middle of nowhere when time divides” and “What is all this ringing in my ears? The hard lines we draw that lead us here” delve into the complexities of relationships and the indomitable pull of past emotions. As the song progresses, the refrain “We’re moving out of time and it’s all right, Indelibly entwined, we held on tight” captures the dual themes of temporal transience and the permanent imprints of connection. Additionally, the charitable intentions behind the project add a commendable layer of depth and intentionality. As a harmonious blend of indie pop and rock with a commercial sheen, “Indelible” offers listeners a soulful dive into the profound moments of human connection.

King Liar – “Escapism”

The vast emotional soundscape of “Escapism” from King Liar is nothing short of a breathtaking rollercoaster. Like a tempestuous storm capturing the stages of human despair and yearning, the song oscillates between serene moments of acoustic contemplation and frenetic outbursts reminiscent of titans like Porcupine Tree and Muse. Its gradual evolution from a gentle lull into an explosive math-rock-infused climax speaks volumes of the track’s intricately woven narrative—a direct reflection of our shared desperation and resistance in the face of overwhelming existential challenges. Yet, in its impassioned choruses, there’s a glimmer of hope, a yearning for salvation as they implore not to forsake our fragile world. The expansive guitar work, mirroring the skyward lyricism, evokes vast, panoramic visions—further accentuating the song’s grandiosity.

Emerging as Northern rock visionaries, King Liar’s “Escapism” solidifies their undeniable prowess and unique knack for blending infectious rhythms, dizzying intricacies, and resonant thematic depth. Their storied journey, from the fevered beats of “Feverish” to the cutting commentary of “Lonely As A God”, underscores their commitment to pushing boundaries—both sonically and topically. With a distinct musical blend drawing inspiration from giants like Radiohead and Foals, King Liar doesn’t merely play music; they sculpt immersive experiences. And “Escapism”, with its soul-stirring narrative and masterful execution, stands as a testament to their ever-evolving sonic odyssey.

Weston Russell – “Peace of Us”

“Peace of Us” is a masterclass in instrumental storytelling. With no lyrics to guide the listener, Weston Russell manages to convey a narrative more profound and visceral than many lyric-driven songs achieve. From its soulful blues beginnings to its undeniable post-rock foundations, the track oscillates gracefully, creating a dialogue between distinct yet harmonious vibes. The steady progression culminates in an ethereal realm, reminiscent of celestial bodies in dialogue, before launching into two guitar solos, each of which sings with both passion and precision. These solos stand as the heart of the piece, echoing the virtuosity of artists like God Is An Astronaut and Explosions In The Sky.

Weston Russell’s self-proclaimed mission—to craft ‘beautiful music for the sake of beautiful music’—truly resonates in “Peace of Us”. There’s a cinematic expanse to his soundscape that conjures vistas of both intimate moments and epic journeys. The song doesn’t merely play; it breathes, it yearns, and it celebrates. And while the track is undeniably energetic, there’s a lingering sense of serenity, as if one is traversing through the memories of a dream once forgotten but now vividly recaptured. For fans of evocative, emotionally charged instrumentals, Weston Russell’s latest offering is not only a promise of his caliber but also a tantalizing glimpse of the musical odyssey that lies ahead.

Charles Walker – “Caught in the Current”

Navigating the vast and tumultuous ocean of human emotions, Charles Walker delivers a masterstroke with “Caught in the Current”. He plunges us into a deep-sea of anxiety, crafting an intensely personal narrative that ripples with the claustrophobic weight of an anxiety attack. The oceanic metaphor is more than just a poetic device; it permeates the very structure of the song. The deep-sea chord progression creates a hauntingly melancholic undercurrent that beautifully contrasts the song’s more energetic facets, resulting in a sound that’s evocative of the ebb and flow of tidal waves. Walker’s voice, reminiscent of icons like John Mayer, finds its strength in its vulnerability, effortlessly swimming between the worlds of folk-country ballads and the poignant honesty reminiscent of Mike Kinsella.

The release strategy of “Caught in the Current” is as layered and intricate as the song itself. As the harbinger of a seven-part series culminating in a comprehensive EP, Walker’s ambition is evident. The promise of visual content for each single speaks to the multimedia age, a clever touch that should engage fans across platforms. Additionally, the acoustic rendition from the famed Hilson studio promises to strip the track back to its bare essence, offering fans an intimate look at the song’s raw emotional core. Given the trajectory that began in North Carolina’s DIY scene and has now found its footing in Nashville, Charles Walker is poised to further solidify his place as a pivotal figure in the contemporary Americana-Indie Rock landscape.

Boring Story – “Below Us”

A disarming juxtaposition of sprightly sounds and introspective lyrics, “Below Us” from Boring Story is a musical oxymoron that plays out beautifully. Embracing the sonic spirit of Slacker Rock with the emotive heft of Emo, this debut single offers listeners a masterclass in modern Indie Rock. Reminiscent of the golden days of The Strokes and the biting wit of Arctic Monkeys, the track is anchored by a guitar hook that’s both catchy and contemplative. The vivid lyrics speak of self-awareness with lines like “Self deprecation isn’t modesty, it’s self obsession,” offering a deep dive into the psyche of the modern individual, all while being wrapped up in a seemingly cheerful package.

The juxtaposition is most palpable in the recurring plea, “Sending signals through space. If you hear ’em, could you blow us all away,”—a morose meditation on existential dread set against an anthemic backdrop. This duality resonates strongly with anyone familiar with the emotional turbulence of anxiety. By the time the track reaches its “big cathartic ending,” it’s clear that Boring Story has a knack for blending irony and earnestness. The song serves as a perfect introduction to a band that seems intent on navigating the complexities of the human experience, blurring the lines between what’s ostensibly joyful and undeniably melancholic. As a herald for their upcoming album, “Below Us” promises listeners a journey as deep as it is delightful.

TWIN ENVY – “Reptilian Overlords”

With a mischievous title like “Reptilian Overlords,” TWIN ENVY delivers an irresistibly hooky track that pulsates with the same energy as indie darlings Cage The Elephant and Peter Bjorn and John. A foot-tapping treat from the moment it starts, the song basks in its playful indie-rock aesthetic, culminating in a contagious chorus that comes crashing in at the one-minute mark. With a perfect balance of nostalgic undertones and forward-thinking originality, the track feels like a delightful homage to the early indie-pop trailblazers while standing confidently on its own merits.

The unique geographical separation between the duo—Jesse Konrad and Rob The Heart, divided by the sprawling Arizona desert—only adds an extra layer of allure to their sound. Their debut single hints at a remarkable synergy, their styles blending seamlessly to create a sonic tapestry as vast and intriguing as the landscapes that lie between them. “Reptilian Overlords” captures the essence of what TWIN ENVY aims for: a nod to the not-so-distant indie past, while forging ahead with an unmistakable contemporary flair. If this tantalizing teaser is any indication, the forthcoming EP is set to cement their position as indie rock’s newest luminaries.

Todd Binder – “Alameda”

In “Alameda,” Todd Binder masterfully weaves nostalgia, romance, and melancholy into an ethereal lo-fi dreamscape. The song, recorded purely in analog at San Francisco’s legendary Tiny Telephone Studio, is a poignant and evocative ode to the city of Alameda, California—a place close to Binder’s heart. The track’s gentle riffs and Binder’s insinuating vocals capture a deep yearning, with lyrics that transport the listener to post-World War II, echoing the sentiments of a sailor, grappling with love and identity. “Ala-me, Ala-me, Alameda mmm,” Binder croons, reinforcing the emotional pull of a place that’s both geographically specific and universally relatable.

Emerging from Charlottesville, VA, Binder’s reputation for high-energy performances and his indomitable spirit, as evident from his tireless dedication to authentic, analog recording, is strikingly juxtaposed against the serene and intimate ambience of “Alameda.” The lyrical content resonates deeply; lines like “It meant nothing to you, To send me off with a kiss” and “With a heart so red white and blue, You sent me off with a kiss” bring forth raw emotion, rendering a sense of both personal and communal loss. As Binder grapples with the bittersweet recollections of love and a city that was once home, listeners are left with a hauntingly beautiful lament that lingers well after the last note fades. Binder’s dedication to capturing genuine sentiment, both in his songwriting and his analog production, has culminated in a track that stands as a testament to his undeniable talent and authenticity.