A new track from Irish artist Ways of Seeing, “The Other Side of Summer” provides a caressing and dreamy rock sound. With its steady pace and solemn vocals reminding fondly of Cass McCombs, “The Other Side of Summer” gradually ascends from contemplative vocals and understated guitars into a second half with soaring, passionate effervescence.
Hazy, comforting guitars lead the initial foray, also reminding of Kurt Vile. The occasional bursts of brassy and symphonic textures become more prominent as the track’s end approaches, exceling past the three-minute mark with a glowing enamoring, as the tender guitars and moving vocals glide seamlessly amidst the glistening backing. “The Other Side of Summer” is a warming success from Ways of Seeing.
The artist elaborates further on the track:
“I wrote this song about trying to move on from darker times and the search for hope in the midst of uncertainty and doubt. Much of the imagery and atmosphere in the song was inspired by John Banville’s book “The Sea”. It is an acknowledgment that, however difficult, we must confront our demons before we can fully move on. No amount of escapism will banish the “ghosts we bring”. We are striving for self-acceptance as we live alongside our own vulnerabilities and traumas. We are all flawed and destined to make mistakes; sometimes a little help can see us through to go again.”
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This track and others featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of August 2022’ Spotify playlist.
