The act of putting out a Double-A side is normally a pretty ballsy one, usually implying that both singles would be good enough to be put out on their own accord. Crucially, this means that artists are not just critiqued for one track, or in fact for two, but rather for both together. The EP has to be strong on both sides to be considered ‘good’.
The new Double-A side by Middlesbrough four-piece Set Your Sights is a great demonstration of a band who get both sides of their single ‘right’.
Side 1, ‘Show & Tell’, is an acoustic guitar-driven track focused on the need to understand how someone feels about you. Concise harmonies about holding someone close and being vulnerable are the highlight of the track, helping to expand the sound and add emotional weight. Set within powerful drumming and a lightly orchestrated chorus, there’s an interesting cinematic feel to the track leading to an a cappella close down which was a personal highlight.
Interestingly, it’s the vocals which are expanded on in track 2, ‘One Day’. Starting off as an acoustic 50s-sounding Righteous Brothers-esque teenage heartbreak track, ‘One Day’ builds into a pounding sound, underpinned by traditional Celtic sounds in the style of say Flogging Molly. ‘One Day’ keeps the listener guessing on where the track will go next and plays with traditional song structures.
This is a great Double-A side, very much highlighted by strong vocal harmonies and interesting blends of musical styles.
The track is now available to listen to on Spotify.
