Ink to Spill kick off the summer with a heartfelt new single, “South Side.” The emotional Rock jam is the band’s first release of the year. The record’s jarring tone blends well with Gus Reeves’ soothing vocals. The track has a bluesy, funky, jazzy sound that makes it so captivating.
“South Side” is inspired by the South Side of Chicago. It tackles the perils, but also highlights the beauty of the community. The storytelling format of the song evokes powerful imagery. “We wanted to honor the strength and spirit of kids growing up in these environments.” Bob Sauer (founder and lyricist) continues, “Despite the violence, there’s beauty. There’s art. There’s connection. That’s what ‘South Side’ is about.”
The song tells the tale of a pre-teen navigating the daily crossfire on her way to and from school, armed only with a box of crayons and the hope that her art inspires others. The track is brought to life through its visual. The music video, filmed in Chicago, starts off with scenes of gun violence and news clips depicting devastating consequences. The video follows the girl (played by Farrah Adams, daughter of Ink to Spill’s drummer Ernie Adams) as she navigates the rough South Side. She leans on her community and art to cope.
“South Side” does a phenomenal job at bringing attention to a serious topic while maintaining its creativity and artistic excellence. The song’s messages of imagination’s power, resiliency, and togetherness are palpable. The group – composed of Bob Sauer, Ernie Adams, Gus Reeves, Anthony D’Angelo (guitar), and John Tate (bass) – is a dynamic quintet with more soulful Alt-Rock music on the horizon.
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