With the release of the A Lighter Shade album, Shellshock Lullaby brings a new feel to a classic genre. Lush with progressive guitar work, addicting and powerful choruses, the record boasts the aesthetic of pop rock anthems. Although the songs are diverse from one another, there is a glue that holds them all together much like a concept album would. Most importantly, the EP never loses sight of the emotional platform great songs are built from.
The first single, “Backwards”, is an instant power-pop classic. Complete with melodic vocal harmonies, and a hard hitting chorus, the song seems to build and breathe as it plays on.
“As a 21 year old kid, I would have simply said enjoy your youth because when I wrote this song I was at a defiant low point in my life. I wanted to go backwards into time. Now 27 and wiser. I would say to the theme is to live your life to the fullest and make sure you are happy in your life. I was young and searching for a lot of answers at the time and I came to the conclusion that we all have one life that we know of so no matter what gets thrown at us, we always need to make the most of every second, every breath. So in a nutshell, “Live it up because you only live once. Make every second count”, explains songwriter Russell Nelson of the bands single.Although the single does speak volumes for the EP, to get a real understanding for where Shellshock Lullaby are coming from, it should be heard in its entirety.
Although the single does speak volumes for the EP, to get a real understanding for where Shellshock Lullaby are coming from, it should be heard in its entirety.
“We’ve really ventured more into the world of electronic and EDM music; let that seep through into this album. This album in itself will absolutely shape my future work in the sense that I’m comfortable with stepping away from the whole “rock n roll” image. I took a different approach to a song I wrote in my very early 20s, and revisited it in a way that shows the listener I have grown up and things aren’t so bleak anymore“, says the Nelson of the album and evolution in songwriting.
Formed in Butte, Montana September of 2010, “Shellshock Lullaby” is the artistic vision of singer/songwriter Russ Nelson. After releasing a debut EP “Finding Our Way” Nelson was invited to play shows and festivals like Rock Fest 2011, The Original Festival 2013 & 2014, Evel Knievel Days 2012 & 2014, and plenty more. In September of 2011, Russ traveled to Lehi, Utah to collaborate with producer, Tyler Monks, and Scot Alexander (the bassist of Dishwalla). The sessions produced 4 new songs and a remixed single, “Backwards,” from the previous EP. In 2012, he wrote a self-titled EP which he released in early 2013. Since this record was released, it has shown much promise for SSL and Nelson’s career. In 2014, the band finished their third EP release Shades Of Grey which was mixed and mastered by Stephen Hawkes (Hearts&Hands, Jonny Craig, Closure in Moscow, Tides of Man) at Interlace Audio and the music is grabbing the attention of fans and industry alike.
Having shared the stage with legends like Black Flag, performing at tons of venues and festivals, and even obtained airplay on stations like Underground Pulse Radio, 850KOA, NBTMusicRadio, TRS24/7 Radio, Pandora, and more, the band is certainly not new to gaiing the momentum needed to get the songs out there.
A Lighter Shade EP is now available for streaming and download on most major digital outlets, and the band has several upcoming gigs in the Montana area, along with planning to tour the Northwest/west coast area in the late summer.
All in all, there is always a message to be heard and as Nelson himself has a personal mantra.
“I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul” -William Blake
“This is more or less the message I want to convey to my listeners, as well as writing for myself, kind of pushing myself to be the person I’ve always dreamt I’d become”, says Nelson.
SOURCE: Official Bio
LINKS:
http://www.sslofficial.com/
https://www.facebook.com/shellshocklullaby
https://twitter.com/shelshoklullaby
https://shellshocklullaby.bandcamp.com/
