7 song album
My first exposure to sidebody was watching them perform “He’s Dead” online as part of the band’s Tiny Desk concert. I was immediately hooked. That led me into a deep dive of their latest studio album, Full Time Job. I’m glad I did as I’ve really been enjoying the studio version of “He’s Dead”, which happens to be the opening track on the latest sidebody album. The music reminds me a bit of surf rock tune meets the B52s with a dash of indie rock. While this music doesn’t quite fall under the Americana category, there are undeniable traces of Americana-adjacent influences like classic early rock and roll with hints of surf rock primed with a healthy dose of New Wave. “Quantumly Entangled” continues with the New Wave feel, adding in a bit of funk. Not Dead (in Natick) could easily find its way into an Americana playlist; also doesn’t hurt that it’s catchy as hell. It also doesn’t hurt that sidebody can drop harmonies like no one’s business. “Not No” is fiery punk where as “Pie in the Sky” has a 1950’s doo wop rock feel. “Spong Time” has a chiptune-feel fueled by The Pixies’ Black Francis’s styled dead pan lyrics. Full Time Job is a great album and sidebody is an undeniably talented band, no matter what genre they juggle. (Kier Byrnes)