Sidewave

Sidewave is a four-piece band consisting of Phil Golyshko (guitars/vocals), William Collins (guitars/synths), Matt Russell (bass) and Brandon Dickert (drums/vocals) that released high-quality demo versions of their upcoming album that they have entitled Big Time. The band upon release of this material stated, “the main objective of this album was to be heavy and beautiful at the same time” and this is something they achieve throughout the album. The most blatant example of this is the way the guitar riffs full of distortion contrast against the reverb-laced lead vocals. Big Time would have sounded a lot less appealing if the lead singer (Golyshko) had a typical exaggerated voice that sounds somewhere between Eddie Vedder and a trucker that has been on the road for too long. Instead the vocals are soothing, attractive and even at times they sound ethereal and angelic. Somewhere between Sigur Ros and My Bloody Valentine.

The first song we are introduced to is “Honest to God,” which starts off with a rocking riff you would hear from a band like Queens Of The Stone Age. The verse is hard while the chorus feeds into their vision by creating a shoegazey veil of white noise that lends itself to beauty. They pull off a great opener that has elements of 90’s alternative band and got me amped for what else they can create.

The good tunes continue with “Sun Drop” as Golyshko delivers an inspired vocal performance against the crashing drums and distorted guitars. As much as I enjoyed the parts that rocked I enjoyed the cerebral moments even more. A bit before the three- minute mark the guitars are loosely picked and a constant kick drum provides a sparse canvas for the vocals to really shine within the harmonies.

“Unkind” reaches grandiose heights in hard rock fashion while “New Attacks” contains an ample amount of kinetic energy. They end with their most accomplished track called “This Is Who You Are,” which is one of those songs that keeps getting higher when you think it has nowhere else to go.

Fans of 90’s alternative band like Hum, Shiner and even The Smashing Pumpkins will eat this up. I am eagerly anticipating their full-length as their demo sounds better than a majority of albums I have heard this year. - The Equal Ground

When I read Sidewave’s instructions for listening to their latest album, Big Time, I got a guilt free pass to destroying a little more of my hearing. But if this was the last album I could hear properly, would it be worth it?

The San Francisco by way of Chicago, outfit’s directions were to listen through loud speakers or good headphones. Oh sweet joy. A Facebook ad showed up on my side bar with a logo that made me think, what does that sound like?

After a few clicks, Sundrop played on Bandcamp, and I immediately bought this album. The production was the first thing to stand out. The trend in mixing a lot of loud rock, is to simply compress the mix sacrificing quality for volume. That wasn’t what I heard.

The snare cracked with the attack of a bull whip, like drummer Brandon Dickert, rolled a wet towel and snapped it, so just the tip slapped you on your ear drum.

sidewave logoHis similarities in style to Jimmy Chamberlain, are a big part of what makes Sidewave sound like Smashing Pumpkins “Cherub Rock”, especially on Illusion of Light and the last cut, Moonshine.

Sidewave’s songs are comprised of airy vocals from lead singer Phil Golyshko and waves of guitars which are contrasted well with a driving rhythm section that keeps your feet grounded in the groove while your head floats away.

Sidewave’s cuts to silence, and loud to quiet parts are sharp as a knife and strike back in with so much punch, its like the dark before lighting hits the ground.

Unkind is an eerie ballad, a prime example of the thunderstorm Sidewave is capable of.

With an upcoming release on the horizon, I’ll have some quiet evenings alone with the frequencies I have left, take them out to listen to the ocean, then bid them farewell as I crank up Sidewave’s new album. - Niji Magazine

Finally at midnight, the time had arrived when Sidewave hit the stage. The sound guy wanted to delay their start of their set but it was already too late in the evening to make any more commotion. So, the band kicked in with one of their newest songs from their upcoming split with San Diego band Anakin. This was Sidewave’s first show as a live quartet and it was jaw-dropping. The set featured mostly songs from their most recent release “Big Time”. Sidewave’s brand of heavy shoegaze was pleasing to the ear as their detuned guitars soothed this savage beast. The last song of the evening was lyrically recognizable to a couple of my friends as a cover of Air’s “Playground Love” off the Virgin Suicides soundtrack. Based on this first ever set by this incarnation of Sidewave, I will definitely look forward to seeing this band live again, and would recommend them to fans of bands like Failure and Hum. - Metal Assault

Containing one original song from each band and a cover, this EP from Sidewave and Anakin is quite awesome. The new track from Sidewave “Out Of Phase” is heavy, catchy and filled with a really steady groove. Vocally the lush melody really shows a range in Phil Golyshko’s voice. Their cover of Air’s “Playground Love” is fantastic. They really were able to take it up a notch and make it their own. Anakin’s new song “Solstice” really plays on the “space rock” tag in a good way. The melody throughout the song is full of hooks and atmosphere. Musically the chunky riff allows the vocals to really show through. Their cover of Fountains Of Wayne’s “Sink To The Bottom” was a great choice for Anakin. They too take the song and make it their own.

Both Sidewave and Anakin are truly great bands that need to be on everyones radar. Do yourselves a favor and take a listen and you’ll see what I mean. - Audioeclectica

Big Time is the latest EP from San Francisco space rock band Sidewave, the brainchild of Phil Golyshko. The seven tracks tower above the musical landscape, with cliffs of heavy guitars, swirling with anthemic vocals. With influences ranging from Smashing Pumpkins to Muse, the music has a theatrical flair, touches of metal and a fair amount of pretense. This is an album that goes straight for a stadium rock aesthetic and for better or worse, takes itself very seriously. Stream and buy Big Time at the link below. - Floorshime Zipper Boots