The Story So Far/Elder Brother guitarist Kevin Geyer launched a new project this year entitled Same Side, and it’s absolute music to my ears. This mesh of acoustic prowess with profoundly-delivered vocals make for effervescent pieces of art, which were present in the magnificent Proper Dose from 2018. These songs came to fruition into the Same Side EP which relased in late May.
Five songs of humongous quality, Same Side is a soft, easy listen that exudes a comforting vibrancy. “Smoke” has multiple delicate, earthy guitar licks that complement the laid-back vibe of the track. “Stuck in a Hole” is one for the ages, presented so somberly and matter-of-factly. Almost a mix of City and Colour and Citizen, it’s a sad song worthy of many replays.
“The Way it Seems” is striking in how gleeful it sounds, yet does a lyrical deep dive into a failing relationship. “I told myself I’m not where I want to be That you’re somewhere else I couldn’t hope to be” dug a pit into my stomach. “Fall Back in Again” gets exploratory in its vocal production, where the guitars are layered and gorgeous. Lastly, the song “Same Side” off the EP Same Side from the band Same Side, all jokes aside, is a solid closer, incorporating a pedal steel riff in the outro.
Every song off Same Side is noteworthy, making this brief 20-minute outing a must-listen. It’s refreshing to see elements from The Story So Far bleed into Geyer’s first solo outing, and it makes for compelling, calming tunes. I sincerely hope we get to hear more from this wonderful musician in the near future, but, for now, Same Side is getting put on repeat.
