Here's your forewarning: this single might come with side effects such as headbanging, singing or screaming along, and feelings. If side effects persist after the first dosage, then please press repeat. Now back to the review of In Shallows' new single, "Side Effects"!
In Shallows is a 4-piece metalcore band hailing from New Hampshire. Their sound is phenomenal, using dual vocals to create a duality that feels like an emotional experience. The instrumentals shift from heavy to softer along with changes from harsh to soft vocals in such a way that the song itself feels immersive. You are feeling what they are feeling.
This song really hit home with me, from the theme to the sound. I am a huge advocate for mental health and have a lot of health problems and mental health issues of my own, so the lyrics felt like finding the words for something that I just couldn't find with my own tongue. Mental health and overall health are so deeply entangled with one another, and it feels like everything comes with a side effect or consequence, some good and some absolutely awful. And In Shallows could not have portrayed this concept any better!
This song has me head over heels for this band! I went straight to hear more after listening to it. "Side Effects" is heavy in sound and theme but still makes you want to headbang and jump around. The production is clean and well done! There is no lull in the song; it keeps you fully engaged. I love it, hands down! Not even a single little tweak can I note that I would make, and usually I have at least one thing I would change for my personal taste. Not this time, though!
Let's give some flowers really quickly to the music video, too! I am a huge nerd for music videos. I love them. I have to say, I think they nailed this one, too! I love the whole thing! The settings were great. We have duality again as we go back and forth from the hospital-type setting with the vocalist Colin Trombley in a muzzle, a straight jacket, and black contact lenses to the full band in an attic performing the song. Kudos for everything that went into this production!
In "Side Effects," the author captured the all-around feeling and struggles that come with health and mental health issues. If you like this song, I highly suggest checking out more of their music, because it's all on the same level! I highly recommend "Buried By Mistake" and "Venom" as well! They deserve their flowers!
In Shallows is:
Colin Trombley - Vocals
Matt Pro - Bass / Vocals
Bobby Wharton - Guitar
Graham Fortier - Drums
