The Shallows are an eleven piece band (yes that’s right) with
an indie pop sound with a miss mash with a shoe-gaze and baroque feel. These
guys and gals have a dreamy vibe coming from each one of them present in the
songs, and who have their own distinct style as each of them is as effective as
the other.
This is their debut EP titled Nostalgia Ain’t What It Used To Be and this isn’t nostalgia, this
is a raw captivating new sound. And it’s a joy to behold as each song is long
and satisfying, leaving you nostalgic to listen to them once more to relive
those 27 minutes just one more time.
The opening track aptly titled ‘Lullaby’ actually sounds
like a lullaby but doesn’t make you sleepy instead it carries you on a journey
of mellowness, which is influenced by Adam Tatana with his deep mix of a weary
and an emotive voice.
Standing out is the magnificent string arrangement; both the violin and cello
flow softly building up to a delicate explosion of beauty. Every instrument, the
vocals and noise in the background are perfectly balanced harmonising each
other.
The third longest track ‘Seabreeze’ manages to sound
completely different. The high pitched brass instruments are more prevalent,
and the classical sound of the guitar gives a strong jazzy feel carrying the
song along a steady light breeze.
Tatana raises his vocal range as he attempts to go a
different direction and adds echo carrying along to the tune of the trumpets,
this pays off immensely. His voice wraps around the trumpets and bass, weaving
through dreaminess and adding a whole new level to the song. Exhibiting no
strain to his voice as all the instruments backing him up carries him and
supports him.
Nostalgia Ain’t What
It Used To Be is a unique and concise first effort from The Shallows which
transports you into a wondrous night-time scene; watching the bright and warm
artificial lights of the city covered by the cold and distant night-time
starlight. And definitely a band to see perform live.
