Shaun Lewis Releases The Brand-New Experimental ‘SL EP2’

Singer-songwriter Shaun Lewis unveils the second instalment of his EP trilogy with ‘SL EP 2’, a dynamic collection of guitar-driven tracks that feature unexpected twists and turns, enhancing both his vocal performance and progressive song writing.

‘SL EP2’ blends indie pop with rock, navigating a range of tempos that shift between high-energy bursts and introspective moments. 

The opening track, 'Hold Up The World', sets a powerful tone from the start, hooking listeners with a jangly chord progression that evolves into a fast, mechanical drumbeat. This rhythm intensifies with raucous guitar shredding that perfectly complements Shaun Lewis' gritty vocals. Echoing backup harmonies underscore reflective lyrics like, “C’mon it will be alright as you slip into the light and through / and on your way live for the now and live for today.

The following track, ‘Dillinger,’ named after the notorious American gangster, John Dillinger, paints a vivid picture of life as an outlaw. The track explores a clever metaphor of becoming a scapegoat, reflecting how society often seeks someone to blame, as suggested in the lyrics: “Number 1 / Number 1 / Number 1 / I’ll be your public enemy number 1”. 

‘Dillinger’ opens with a wave of distortion layered in reverb, as a brief, isolated fuzzy drumbeat kicks things off. The rolling guitar arrangement features elongated, richly toned riffs that carry a heavy distortion throughout. This constant distortion echoes the early sounds of Black Sabbath and classic heavy metal.

'She Was On The Stairs' delves deeper into atmospheric soundscapes, beginning with a soft wash of high-pitched, distorted guitars that create the illusion of a slow-paced track. However, the volume gradually intensifies, met by a powerful drumbeat that transitions into a rhythmic and dynamic surge of instrumentals, giving the track a fast tempo and an upbeat feel. The lyrics touch on themes of acceptance and frustration in relationships, capturing the sense that some people never change, as reflected in the lines: “She was on the stairs / Yeah, I know cause I was there / Why? Why should I care? / When I need you, you’re not there.”

‘SL EP2’ wraps up with ‘Girl,’ an acoustic demo that completely shifts the pacing. Influenced by The Beatles, the track opens with a shimmering acoustic guitar arrangement that takes centre stage, embodying a DIY ethos with its rough-around-the-edges style. The guitar work pairs seamlessly with Shaun Lewis' heartfelt vocals, painting a vivid picture of loss and acceptance.

Shaun Lewis delivers dynamic bursts of rock throughout the brief yet impactful ‘SL EP2’. While the tracks share foundational elements, each offers something fresh to the listener, incorporating various musical twists and turns that keep the experience engaging and unpredictable.

Ana Joy King

@anajoyking

Image: ‘SL EP2’ Official EP Cover