Shadow Sides captures a certain post-modern decadence on what might be called its signature song “heroine with meaning.” One of the lyrics mentions the concept of shadow sides and how we all have them. For some it’s just the more emotional and non-linear logical, creative side, and for others it’s a definite dark side and probably for most there’s a little of both and it’s not as discretely sorted out as all of that. The song has a fantastically brooding bass line and ethereal post-punk guitar work with almost whispered vocals like a voice in that subconscious dark coming to the fore and speaking uncomfortable truths that one often fears admitting to oneself. It’s a song about an intense relationship between people who might just be bad for each other and the double entendre of the song title is surely no accident including the idea of how performative and ritualized it can all feel. Many people find themselves attracted to someone with a passionate intensity that bypasses reason and logic at some point in their lives and that can short circuit one’s ability to navigate challenging times in a way that’s healthy but that allure is undeniable even when you know it’s bad for you. And yet there is a whole body of creative work about that connection that for many people feels soul deep and difficult if not impossible to shake. The lurid tone of the song and how it sounds like a decadent and weary love ballad is definitely part of its appeal the way film noir and the novels of the likes of Bret Easton Ellis or Chuck Palahniuk can draw you in for a story that is going to have some wildly uncomfortable moments that fascinate nevertheless. Musically it’s in the vein of the darkwave end of post-punk but the strong bass line and present yet disembodied vocals set it apart from how some of that music can be a little sonically thin. As for the subject matter? If you’ve been in a relationship or few like that described above this song will absolutely speak to you. Watch the lyric video for “heroine with meaning” on YouTube and follow Los Angeles’ Shadow Sides at the links below.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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