New England metalcore heavy hitters In Shallows return with "Side Effects," an exploration of what one exchanges for the sake of "getting better."
"Side Effects' is about the quiet ways things go wrong when a solution ends up being part of the problem. It follows the slow drift of someone you care about, convinced they’re making things better, moving through that helpless space where consequences stack up and control is out of reach," the band said of the song's themes.
Medical & mental health tie-in's are a given - "Just what the doctor ordered," echoes throughout the song, alongside references to routine medication and physical ailments. Vocalist Colin Trombley is bound by a straight jacket in several video shots.
Yet, it's difficult to ignore the parallels to social and political "side effects" occuring daily. "He's been stressed / Dark thoughts in his head," screams Trombley in the second verse.
"There may be several side effects, but all your problems go away," repeats bassist & vocalist Matt Pro in the chorus.
Duel vocals from Trombley and Pro create a dynamic where aggression and emotion trade off, leaving space for the intensity to settle before it swings back in, hitting vicious chugs and lows in the bridge.
"Recording this track and most of the album was brutal with the studio hitting over 98 degrees and no AC. I ended up wearing an ice pouch vest and was swapping freezer packs just to get through the session," Trombley recalls the recording process, admitting the discomfort probably added heaviness to his vocals.
Pro noted it was important the band evolved with their next release. “We didn’t want to repeat ourselves, and this was the first time we truly felt we’d step into the next chapter.”
"Side Effects" is a preview of In Shallows' next album, one that guitarist Bobby Wharton is proud to show off.
"'Side Effects' came together quickly, with very little changing from demo to recording. We’ve also added it to our live set over the past few months, and the crowd’s reaction has made it clear that ‘Side Effects’ could become a favorite from our upcoming album."
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