The Shallows are Tom Skelton (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Russ Cragg (Guitar), Joe White (Bass) and Al Hewitt (Drums).
This London based four-piece released their début EP, About Time Vol. 1, last year and are just about to release their newest, entitled Same Space Vol. 2, out 3rd May. Having already gained support from BBC Introducing and Absolute Radio, their second instalment looks to build even more on that and I have to say, they are on the right track. You can listen to the full EP below, to see for yourselves.
Same Space Vol. 2 is a slight departure from their first EP, in that it takes a more varied approach, definitely showcasing their progress as a band, musically and lyrically. They have experimented with different vocal techniques and sounds on this new EP, and their music is all the better for it. Same Space grabs you and takes you in from the very first listen, a straight-off killer.
Same Space is a good collection of up-tempo, guitar led indie rock tunes with a twist. The opening track, “Thieves” swoops straight in with full, unbridled energy, a great note to start the EP off on. The vocals at times reminiscent of Everything Everything, a brilliant track all round.
As the EP progresses, the songs start to take a darker turn, revealing a more experimental side to The Shallows than we have previously encountered. “The Enemy” being the perfect example of this, echoes of Athlete and White Lies seep through here, the slow-burning intensity of Skelton’s vocals here is what makes this track stand out the most to me, a real masterpiece.
Their influences are quite prominent in their sound, ranging from Two Door Cinema Club to The Strokes to The Smiths, but still keeping it fresh and their own. The emphasis that drives this band being always at the heart of their music, that being vocal driven. They pride themselves on writing great music and to never settle for a inadequate vocal, to always strive for perfection, which shows. A good work ethic and great music to boot. Doesn’t get better than that.
The Shallows are set to play The Barfly, Camden on 8th May and The Underbelly, Hoxton on 23rd May, in conjunction with the release of Same Space Vol. 2, so get your tickets now before they sell out.
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