Brooklyn-based folk-rock band GIRL SKIN are excited to present “Soft Gun,” the second track to be lifted from the Friday, April 17 release of the band’s debut album titled Shade is on the other side. A sprightly indie-folk letter to those in a decaying relationship who are determined to make it work, “Soft Gun” discusses the dreaded perils of unrequited love.
Written and recorded by singer-songwriter and frontman Sid Simons – along with contributions from his band mates – at his Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn home, Shade is on the other side combines elements of fragile folk and delicate art-rock to create ethereal chamber-pop songs that fearlessly revel in Simons’ most private thoughts. Musically, the album exists somewhere between monumental British statements such as All Things Must Pass and The Man Who, where quiet and tender folk meets dramatic guitar-pop.
The album was led by “Forever & Always,” a supple ode to love and a track NPR Music recently called “elegantly dramatic” which was accompanied by a visual created by Idle House that gives a nod to the hazy days of fall, culling nostalgic inspiration from classic, daydream-like clips by The Style Council, Mazzy Star, The Flaming Lips, Oasis and more.
When you record an album in your bedroom, the resulting music will inevitably reflect the intimacy of that space. And so it is with the songs that make up GIRL SKIN’s debut album, Shade is on the other side – 11 tracks of thoughtful folk-rock that is just as much a throwback as it is a forward-thinking body of work. From the yearning of “Forever & Always,” the album’s lead single which features frontman Sid Simons’ timeless voice front-and-center, and gentle strumming of the hazy “Bite Real Hard” to the expansive grandeur of “She Said,” Shade is on the other side is an elegant mosaic of musical touchstones presented by a young and talented band who is openly coming into their own.
Informed by Simons’ unorthodox life journey which has taken him from Portland, Australia, New York and to Shanghai, as well as through a rambling, two-month road trip he took around North America instead of finishing high school, the album receives contributions from his brother Stanley Simons (bass), Ruby Wang (violin), Wyatt Mones (lead guitar), Sophie Cozine (keys/harmonies) and Noah Boling (drums).
Pre-save, pre-add and pre-order GIRL SKIN’s debut album, Shade is on the other side HERE
Photo Credit: Jeton Bakalli
Making Noise is a regular feature at the Noise Room. We spotlight music from bands and artists who have a new release out. If you’d like to be considered, please contact us at thenoiseroom[at]gmail[dot]com. We prefer YouTube videos or Soundcloud streams.
