2017 The Year Of The Singer-Songwriter
Felt
Austin Shaw
Will 2017 be the year of the indie rock singer-songwriter? With so many political and social conflicts happening it feels like we might take a page out of the 1960’s and at least get some great music out of it. The latest patch of songs to amaze us are from singer-songwriter Austin Shaw. Shaw is releasing a 4 song EP, he’s calling 'Felt', the tracks are a little tease and will also be included on his full-length album coming out later this summer.
On the EP Shaw gives us a daring, brave set of songs that strip away the mind's trickery of camouflage and crutches, and bares the truth of an individual through words and music. It's touching, relevant and first-rate.
The EP starts off with a very personal, opener, "Citrine", and once you hear it, it will be stuck in your head. The song tells the story of being young and losing a parent too soon. In reading his bio, this is something Shaw had to live through and endure, we commend him for having the strength to turn the sadness into an amazing song. The song "I’ve Been Leaning", seems like a battle cry from one lover to another with its deep lyrics and melodic mix. The title track "Felt" is an honest take of how one soul can lift up another backed by a relaxed and infectious guitar riffs.
His stunning lyrical and language skills are perfectly framed and beautifully displayed. His ability to paint pictures with words and music is simply superb and he takes the listener on journeys that are uplifting and honest. There's a whole world lensed through the shimmering windows of the songs.
Joining Shaw is producer Robert L. Smith (Defy Recordings), and the talents of guitarist Robert Saltzman (Paul Simon), drummer Joe Bonadio (Sting), bassist Malcolm Gold and vocalist Clara Lofaro. Together they have put together a collection of complex, poignant and personal songs that have been beautifully realized with love and attention to the finest detail.
Very Highly Recommended.
