The‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Side Effect's “Poisoned by the Sunshine” radiates with timeless guitar glory.

"Poisoned by the Sunshine" is pure indie-rock alchemy: melody, movement, and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌meaning.

The Side Effect is a New York–based rock band formed by Jay Wilkins, Chris Flood, and Phil Yanos — three songwriters bound by their love for the rich guitar tones of the ’80s and ’90s alternative scenes. They​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ all went solo to check out the rock scene of the Lower East Side, and so they met each other after the pulsating rock circuit of the Lower East Side, which was their mutual ground. They mix jangly melodies, upbeat rhythms, and heartfelt songwriting to make their guitar-driven soundscapes last ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌forever.

“Poisoned by the Sunshine” is basically one of the great guitar-rock records — electrifying, chiming, and full of life.

The Side Effect mixes the crisp tonality of R.E.M. era jangle pop with the power of classic AOR and the indie rock attitude of the confident. Every time the guitar is hit, it is felt that it is done very intentionally but also in a very spontaneous way, thus pulling the listener into the nostalgic realm but without making any antique references or being necessarily old-fashioned.

Dual guitars do the work beautifully in all 6 tracks, while one is bright and glistening, the other is providing warmth and stability - at the same time, the vocals, which have been done with an emotional sincerity, stick out most. It is music that reminds one of how to fall in love again with guitars all over.