Emotional and timeless with a splash of style

Already building a small cult following since their recent debut, Shade is on the Other Side has shown relative success for its slow repetitive chill melodies and empathetic mood with a modern-underground aesthetic, for Brooklyn’s newcomer folk-rock quintet, GIRL SKIN.

The project of frontman guitarist and lead singer Sid Simons, the inspirator of the group, is joined by brother and bassist Stanley, violinist Ruby Wang, lead guitarist Wyatt Mones, backup singer and keyboardist Sophie Cozine and drummer Noah Boiling, who recorded in the humblest of recording studios, the bedroom, Shade is on the Other Side brings the quaint simplicity of how good music can sound from low budget production that is deeply inspired from the travels of Simons across the world and the U.S.

“Forever & Always” opens the album with a slow and swaying melody that is tearful and punk with oscillating violins and screeching guitar. Top-grossing in views, “Forever & Always” has received the most attention for its music video already reaching 82 thousand views on YouTube and continues to be the highlight track of the quintet’s work thus far.

Soft and powerful “Darling” hits next with a low toned three-minute folky intro that ramps into a chant of “All my lovin’” that creates a punk filled atmosphere to headbang to. Sway to and from to the repetitive strums of “Bite Real Hard” that delivers an impact of empathetic emotion that beckons the listener to a narcotic trance of surrealness.

With a vintage filter, “Soft Gun” features the fun-loving band doing miscellaneous quirks and things to the heavy rock-themed melody transitioning back and forth from the waxing guitar strums to the slow waning violins. Both delivering the slow depressive theme carried throughout the album “The Path” and “Night Time” make for an excellent melody while lounging around the campfire under the forest night sky.

Light a cigarette and coast down the hill with the window open for a chill experience with “You’re a Freak” that brings soft strums, streaking guitars and faded vocals that encase the overall vibe of the album. Back to an upbeat melody “Holy Fool” highlights the empathetically repetitive punk vocals and punching percussions that pull together an experience that calls to sway your lit lighter in the air.

“She Said” offers a narcotic instrumental three-minute intro that transitions excellently into a hard-hitting traditional folk-rock melody that punches with a flair of emotion. Dreamy and never-ending, “Star” is reverent with highlighted soft strums and soft vocals that make a perfect melody around the campfire just before hitting the sack. Leaving on a happier key, “The Last Ever Song” features light uplifting keyboards and slurring violins to heightened percussions to outro this album.

Only newcomers to the scene, GIRL SKIN presents a unique tune and aesthetic to the genre that not many other artists bring to the table making them stand out with only one album on their discography. With a comparison of only this collection, it is safe to predict similar low tone, chill vibe melodies in their future. Till then, this album is sure to please the general audience and create anticipation for more from their cult following.