Qulture Magazine

Words: Madi Briggs

Nick Shane was not someone I was very well versed in before this album, but that’s sure changed now. Jam packed with twelve exciting tracks, ‘Calé Sunrise’ is Shane, in a brand-new light.

‘Silence Golden’ is an interesting track. With no vocals at all, the multitude of instruments do all the talking. Examples ranging from the expected, such as guitars and drums, to the more out there like the humble didgeridoo, it’s easy to imagine this song being used in a very good Western film. The song truly comes alive after the one minute mark with the sound becoming deeper and more resonating, a form of escapism for the listener where they can close their eyes and imagine that they’re somewhere else, somewhere that transcends the constraints of modern life, making this song the perfect opener to what’s yet to come.

The next three tracks are simply sublime, Shane’s honey vocals delight on every song from the tender melancholy of ‘Youth & The Young’ to the stronger, more powerful ‘Bullet Train’. His voice has a Damon Albarn-esque quality to it, further enhancing this already enjoyable album.

Highlighted by the soft guitars in ‘Everywhere But Here’, which provides a smooth continuation from ‘Silence Golden’, none of the songs feel out of place, each a key building block in the creation of this album. The contrast between the hauntingly beautiful ‘Youth & The Young’ with early Frightened Rabbit vibes bursting through, to the more energetic and louder successor ‘Bullet Train’ leaves you eager to uncover what the rest of the album has to offer. Lyricism is also a strong suit of the Scottish singer with notable lines including “but I don’t want to let you go” (‘Everywhere But Here’) and “you’ll never be free with the war on your mind” (‘Bullet Train’), it deepens your appreciation for what’s been presented as you’re able to tell that there’s been a lot of care placed into his craft.

‘Come With Me’ is a story neatly condensed into four minutes. A dynamic and slightly experimental piece, as heard through the use of the jaw harp, creating a distinct boing sound throughout the entire thing. The song starts off a little unsure of itself, but it eventually finds its confidence especially after Shane’s clever use of silence before the electric guitars come rushing in. The following few tracks are delightful in their composition especially in nostalgic ‘Memories’ with its emotional vulnerability (make sure you have tissues on hand!) and the soaring guitars that are used to elevate both tracks, alongside the drums in folk sensation ‘Picture On My Wall’, to heights which this Dundee lad hasn’t reached before. The chorus of background harmonies in the former, and the beats of silence in the latter song ensures that ‘Calé Sunrise’ remains equal parts fresh and delightful.

‘(Interlude)’ is a pleasant respite from the rest of the track list. A gentle, dreamy pitstop on your journey of ‘Calé Sunrise’. With the opening, to me at least, reminiscent of raindrops, it allows you to take a breather before you dive back in with an enhanced appreciation for all that Shane’s crafted with this satisfying album. The song feels looser in a way compared to all the others, an opportunity for the Dundonian to really flex his talent and the hard work that’s gone into everything.

Strings are used in the next two albeit in very different yet equally clever ways. They’re brighter in ‘Én Riverside’, neatly balancing out the shaky vocals which pepper the track but in ‘Shine On Me’, they take on a more melancholic route and work with the low hum of the bass, they compliment the entire song. This track is about continuing on, even when you feel like you can’t, as proved by lyrics like “life won’t be so tragic, just wait and see”, which is a message I think we could all do with hearing sometimes. Instrumentally, it’s also one of the most complex songs, making it one that stays with you even after it has long since ended.

‘Walls Of Home’ and ‘Backroads’ conclude this stunner of an album. The penultimate track brings down the mood slightly with the pounding drums being the focal point of the entire piece. Then, just when you think it’s over, it revives itself for one last hurrah with a flurry of instruments leading nicely on to the closing song ‘Backroads’. It’s everything and more that this album has been building up to, highlighting that Shane truly knows his stuff when it comes to music.

‘Calé Sunrise’ is an album like no other, complex in its creation it balances moments of tenderness with moments of fun. It’s an album that you’ll regret missing out on, so save yourself the disappointment and stick it on, future you, will thank you.

Pre-Save links for the album, coming out October 10th, can be found Here. Nick will also be playing some upcoming shows, so keep an eye on his socials, for more news and to find out about tickets!