SINGLE REVIEW: Outside Voices - Sail Away / Parasite

London’s Outside Voices may loosely identify as alternative rock, but ‘Sail Away’ and ‘Parasite’ prove their sound is anything but one-note. One drifts with dreamy nostalgia, the other erupts with restless intensity, yet both showcase the band’s knack for weaving immersive, emotionally charged soundscapes.

‘Sail Away’ carries a weightless, almost jazz-like quality, built on a twangy, immersive guitar intro that instantly pulls you in. Dreamy bass and a crisp, refreshing drum beat keep things flowing, while slapping, shifting guitar lines add an improvisational feel, almost like the song is floating freely but still anchored by its biting backbone. The raspy vocals bring warmth and sincerity to its story of childhood friends growing apart while still holding onto the best for each other. The hooky chorus ties it all together, making for an indie rock track that’s simple in structure but rich in atmosphere.

Then there’s ‘Parasite’, which turns the energy up tenfold. This is Outside Voices at their most chaotic and infectious, capturing the frustration of looping thoughts with relentless instrumentation. A strong, distinctive guitar riff leads the charge, underpinned by aggressive alt-rock instrumentation with vintage 80s pop sensibilities subtly woven in. The powerhouse vocals soar above it all, balancing soulful depth with sheer explosiveness. The dynamic shifts keep it engaging throughout, never settling into predictability.

These two tracks highlight Outside Voices’ ability to move between moods effortlessly—whether dreamy and reflective or eruptive and bold, they deliver with conviction. Their sound may pull from the past, but there’s a modern freshness to their approach, making them an exciting band to keep an eye on.