NEW DESIGN SET TO RELEASE B-SIDE COLLECTION, A DEEP INTROSPECTION ABOUT THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES INHERENT WITH BEING HUMAN

Ontario, Canada’s New Design return with a collection of B-Sides, two of which were written as possibilities to be included on their last release, Where I Need to Be, and one that was written following its completion.

What is immediately apparent about these tracks is that they could have easily been part of Where I Need to Be and are emblematic of New Design’s quintessential sound. These tracks further illustrate the type of sound that represented a definition of “emo” 25 years ago – not poppy, bubblegum-hook laden songs but heartfelt efforts that are both earnest and endearing.

This collection is the perfect thing to spin when engaging in deep introspection about the joys and challenges inherent with being human. They slow things down, but not in a dull or droning way. The integration of electronic elements on “January” is somewhat reminiscent of the early material by The Anniversary, while “What Was Left Unsaid” undeniably carries the torch passed on to New Design by their forerunners on Deep Elm and Jade Tree Records two decades ago.

New Design’s B-Sides collection further illustrates that they remain one of Ontario’s most underrated collectives. Here’s hoping they won’t remain a hidden gem for long.