Hello and welcome to another episode of Weekly New Releases on B-Side Guys! We know, we know, we’re running a bit behind schedule this week – let’s just say life played its cards, but we’re here now, ready to serve up the freshest cuts from the music scene. The wait, we promise, has only sweetened the pot, and the tracks we’re about to share are well worth the extra anticipation. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s selection of new music that we can’t wait to share with you. Hold tight, because it’s about to get exciting!
Gooseberry – “Panic!”
Gooseberry’s latest offering, “Panic!,” takes listeners on an audacious sonic journey that perfectly captures the tumultuous nature of heartbreak and the irrational hope it often brings. Asa Daniels’ evocative songwriting comes to the fore, presenting an auditory landscape that shifts between an adrenaline-fueled march and tranquil daydream. Drawing from the diverse palette of rock, jazz, and disco, Gooseberry expertly constructs an emotional seesaw, delicately balancing between pulsating despair and wistful optimism. This tune, with its narrative intricacy and genre-bending musicality, showcases Gooseberry’s versatility and artistic maturity, solidifying their distinctive voice within the music scene.
Born in the heart of Brooklyn and honed in the iconic NYC live music circuit, Gooseberry’s sound is authentic, captivating, and full of raw energy. The trio’s ability to seamlessly shift dynamics and paint vivid sonic narratives sets them apart in the current indie-rock landscape. Their new project, “Validate Me,” aptly represents the group’s artistic evolution, grappling with themes of love, sacrifice, and fear in the pursuit of creating art. It’s a triumphant testament to their talent, presenting Daniels’ dynamic songwriting skill, Rossington’s bombastic drums, and Hammond’s fluid bass lines. In “Panic!,” Gooseberry has created a track that encapsulates their unique identity – a gritty yet melodic fusion of DIY ethos and arena-ready pop – unapologetically showcasing the band’s unabashed commitment to their craft.
Mike Leon – “Hey Boy”
Mike Leon’s latest release, ‘Hey Boy,’ delivers a moving narrative on resilience, dreams, and the tenacity of spirit in the face of life’s adversities. The Canadian singer-songwriter elegantly merges introspective lyricism with compelling indie folk melodies, crafting a musical tapestry that captures listeners with its raw honesty and palpable emotion. The recurrent refrain – “Hey Boy/ Don’t you worry about running/ The world is coming for you” – reverberates with encouraging resilience, striking a poignant contrast against the sobering admission that dreams can fade, reflecting the dichotomy of hope and despair intrinsic to the human experience.
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Mike Leon has spent a significant part of his career providing the percussive backbone for his brother, Mattie Leon. However, with ‘Hey Boy,’ he steps forward from behind the drum kit, demonstrating a striking depth of songwriting prowess and the captivating pull of his voice. His narrative mastery is evident in verses such as “When did I let myself go/ Carving out a new belt hole/ And I just can’t find time for me/ All without a child to please,” deftly crafting lyrical imagery that lays bare the struggles of balancing personal dreams with the realities of life. Like the foot-stomping energy of The Lumineers and the folk-driven melodicism of Mumford & Sons, Leon’s music exhibits a dynamism that’s both engaging and deeply resonant. As part of his upcoming EP ‘Ticket Home,’ ‘Hey Boy’ shows promise of a compelling body of work from this emerging talent.
Passion Mango – “Confess”
Vancouver-based band Passion Mango’s latest offering, ‘Confess,’ is an emotionally evocative and melodically rich exploration into the realms of heartache and romance. Drawing comparisons to musical luminaries like Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, the track captures the melancholic nostalgia and exquisite lyricism that these artists are known for, while still carving its unique niche. The song weaves a tapestry of sadness and chill with an underlying current of romance, creating a complex emotional landscape that immerses listeners, pulling them along for an introspective journey.
There’s an undeniable sense of experimentation that marks Passion Mango’s music as distinct – an adventurous approach to genre that serves as both an homage to their musical influences and a testament to their innovative spirit. ‘Confess’ is imbued with the individual talents of each band member, creating a unified and compelling sound that seamlessly combines a myriad of musical styles. Their promise to spread their passion ‘far and wide’ isn’t an empty boast – with their distinctive blend of emotion, melody, and genre experimentation, Passion Mango is a band to watch. ‘Confess’ signals not only a deepening of their sonic repertoire but also the burgeoning promise of a band poised to make their mark in the music world.
Rosalie – “Half Life”
Rosalie’s ‘Half Life’ is an exploration into ‘Millennial Rage,’ a resounding anthem for a generation battling the weight of their own expectations and the external pressures of society. Intertwining her personal experiences with broader generational anxieties, Rosalie creates a heart-wrenching narrative of desperation and depression, shaped by her move from Nashville to Los Angeles and her experiences with the isolating effects of the pandemic. With the fusion of deeply personal, emotive lyrics, and a downtempo dance beat, ‘Half Life’ is a song that finds its power in its relatability and raw authenticity.
This distinctive single also marked Rosalie’s innovative foray into the realm of spatial audio, with ‘Half Life’ being her first song released in Dolby Atmos. Rosalie uses the cutting-edge tech to add an additional layer of immersive depth to the track, providing a multi-dimensional experience that intensifies the song’s emotional resonance. It also brings to fruition a dream she had held since her college days, to produce a song where the sound moves around the listener, adding to the song’s immersive quality. ‘Half Life’ is not just an anthem for a struggling generation; it is a testament to Rosalie’s creative vision and adaptability as an artist in the constantly evolving landscape of music production.
Young Sleep & MICKEY FACTZ – “Higher Learning”
Young Sleep’s collaboration with Mickey Factz on ‘Higher Learning’ shows the transformative power of strong musical alliances. This track, set against the backdrop of a soulful beat crafted by upstate resident Jimmy Dukes, blends seamlessly with spiritual and insightful bars delivered by the duo. The result is a deeply layered and richly textured song that is more than the sum of its parts. ‘Higher Learning’ underscores the poetic potency of rap, as the emcees drop wisdom in their lyrics, backed by the evocative and atmospheric beat, making it a stand-out track that promises more to come in the forthcoming 3rd installment of the Sleep City mix series.
The accompanying video for ‘Higher Learning’, directed by Trav Simmons and shot on location in Brooklyn, adds another layer of depth to the song’s resonance. It visually encapsulates the transformative journey conveyed through the lyrics, reinforcing the power of the duo’s collaborative synergy. With an impending EP featuring collaborations with legendary and influential artists like Beanie Sigel, Dark Lo, Ransom, and Nature, Young Sleep solidifies his status as an emergent force in the rap scene. ‘Higher Learning’ is not just a song, but a testament to Young Sleep’s ability to create powerful rap narratives, marking a promising trajectory in his musical career.
CS Hellmann – “The Fear I Felt”
CS Hellmann’s single ‘The Fear I Felt’ is an intensely personal and intimate exploration of his journey towards self-belief and musical validation. This coming-of-age narrative, manifested in an indie anthem, delves deep into Hellmann’s past experiences with criticism and self-doubt, framing them in a context of perseverance and eventual triumph. The powerful lyricism, showcasing lines like ‘Fear isn’t always a long and lonely journey’ and ‘Afraid of what it’s like to fail,’ encapsulates the emotional weight and strength of Hellmann’s journey. His expertly woven story paints a clear picture of a self-conscious individual transforming into a self-assured artist despite the numerous hurdles in his path.
Drawing from the raw, expressive power of alt rock and rootsy blues, Hellmann’s ‘The Fear I Felt’ is a testament to his versatility as a songwriter and his aptitude as a guitar aficionado. His deeply honest lyrics, paired with his dark, emotive musical style, work in harmony to create a track that is as gripping as it is enlightening. By the end of the song, the listener is left with a feeling of triumph, as Hellmann emerges from his insecurities, defying expectations with the line, ‘The Fear I Felt no longer gripping me.’ As a songwriter and artist who has surmounted his fears to release music true to his vision, Hellmann has created a track that serves as an inspiring anthem for aspiring artists everywhere.
Ian McFarland – “Everyone Knows Your Name”
Ian McFarland’s single ‘Everyone Knows Your Name’ is a surf-rock influenced indie delight, weaving a gentle narrative of friendship, homecoming, and relief. McFarland, a seasoned performer with international acclaim, layers evocative lyrics over a breezy melodic landscape to create a track that is both profound and invitingly familiar. His masterful songwriting is on full display as he crafts a story of a friend’s return to safety and comfort, encapsulated in the soothing refrain ‘We will get you home / Where everyone knows your name / You won’t feel so alone.’
Imbued with the warmth of camaraderie and the optimism of youth, ‘Everyone Knows Your Name’ serves as a testament to McFarland’s ability to tap into universal human experiences. His lines ‘Figuring it out / What it’s all about’ reverberate with the struggles and questions we’ve all faced, while the melody offers solace and companionship. The song’s surf rock influences lend it an easygoing rhythm that belies the depth of its narrative, making it an enriching yet accessible listen. In short, ‘Everyone Knows Your Name’ is a vivid demonstration of McFarland’s songwriting prowess, solidifying his standing as an artist who translates the complexities of life into resonant melodies.
Matthew and the Arrogant Sea – “A Little Off”
Matthew and The Arrogant Sea, a favored entity of B-Side Guys, unveils a fresh sonic iteration in their new single ‘A Little Off.’ The track is a tender exploration of personal evolution, liberation, and the resilience it takes to let go of relationships that have outlived their purpose. Embellished with introspective lyrics, ‘A Little Off’ navigates the listener through an intimate journey towards self-acceptance, reflecting the band’s remarkable ability to convert complex emotions into compelling aural experiences. This new offering, teasing their forthcoming record ‘If You Find Yourself Floating Away,’ hints at a compelling evolution in the band’s sonic journey.
Hailing from Denton, TX, Matthew and The Arrogant Sea has been an influential force in the indie rock scene for over two decades. This single marks another milestone in the band’s impressive career, demonstrating a refreshing departure from their signature indie rock-folk-psych mix, reminiscent of the likes of Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s, Will Johnson, and Father John Misty. Matthew Gray’s haunting vocals weave the narrative of ‘A Little Off’ through a captivating melody, underlining the band’s capacity for engaging storytelling. The collective talents of Blake Vickrey, Tony Whitlock, Hagen Hauschild, and Pablo Alzate fortify the enchanting ambiance of the track, further solidifying Matthew and The Arrogant Sea’s reputation for mesmerizing live performances and innovative soundscapes. ‘A Little Off’ is a testament to their enduring relevance and creativity in the ever-evolving indie rock milieu