Up-and-coming indie band bby has released their jam session-esque tune, “Afters.” The new song features a story of unrequited romance decorated with sincere vocals and chill vibes (while perhaps having not-so-chill feelings about someone else).
“Afters” explores yearning for someone you’re not quite sure is into you, but you still can’t find a way to get them out of your head. Thinking about them all the time, it’s hard for the narrator to “be casual” or “be cool.”
Nervous about being honest with someone he likes, and admitting that he feels uneasy whenever the two spend time apart, the narrator stumbles over his words halfway through the song: “If we’re both still up in the morning / there’s a space for you in my bed / Wishing I could make you want me / and could climb inside your head.”
This alternative track embodies the DIY feel that signature bby songs showcase, incorporating a stunning echo in the vocals that makes the listener feel like they’re sitting next to the singer in an open space. “Afters” belongs on a playlist including songs where you just lie in the grass (or perhaps, on a rooftop) and stare up at the clouds.
If you were expecting the same upbeat, in-your-face vibes of “hotline,” “Afters” leans more on unpolished, low-key vibes in comparison to their most popular tracks. Nonetheless, the lyrics carry the same emotion and themes of a typical bby song (have no fear, the “in-your-face” part comes into play, soon).
The short song comes to an abrupt end, leading into a brief electronic interlude before transitioning to another single titled “Before Afters” (a silly thing to unpack, as “Before Afters” appears to take place… after “Afters). “Before Afters” is an energetic burst of loud vocals, layers upon layers of instruments, and an honest expression of raw emotions.
Without a formal announcement on whether this double single will be featured on an upcoming project, it’s safe to say that bby is a band that indie-rock lovers should look out for in the future. bby’s new single “Afters” is available on most streaming platforms.
Comprised of vocalist Benjy Gibson, bassist Deon Graham, drummer Tom Parkin, and guitarists Jessy Jacquet-Cretides and Tommaso Medica, the “hotline” band is known for hosting sweaty PARTIES and writing music and collaborating in their headquarters at State 51 in East London, simply referred to as HQ.
Featured on their debut album 1 (2024), the London band’s provocative hit “Kinky” landed a top spot on SiriusXM alternative charts in the latter half of 2024, and currently sits at 4.5 million streams (and counting) on Spotify.
Trading in their own HQ for the road, bby will join Royel Otis on select dates of the meet me in the car tour in the US this fall. Remaining tickets are available here.
Meet me in the car tour dates with support by bby:
09/12/25 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
09/14/25 – Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
09/16/25 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
09/17/25 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
09/19/25 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory
09/20/25 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s*
09/21/25 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s
09/28/25 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
09/30/25 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
10/02/25 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
10/03/25 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC
10/04/25 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
10/06/25 – Toronto, ON – History*
10/07/25 – Toronto, ON – History
10/10/25 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
10/11/25 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17*
10/12/25 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
*Sold-out dates
