Shadows & Dust are a folk rock quartet hailing from Dublin, whose hard work and musical talent has found them conquering the Irish airwaves which in turn has lined up support slots for acts such as Michael Kiwanuka. Through this they have amassed a large enough following to do what many new bands are doing these days: launch a Fund: It initiative enabling them to record and produce this debut EP.
From the first chords of ‘Cobblestones’ I fell in love with this EP. This two part epic starts so heart achingly soft building to a crescendo, where there’s a battle of strings and vocals with Dermot Kennedy’s vocals fighting Lia Wright’s violin for dominance. The two part epic is a perfect introduction of what is to come. But don’t be fooled they are no one trick pony; they prove this with ‘Bridge Of Sighs’ so reminiscent of a Nick Cave ballad. Kennedy’s vocal is so full of foreboding it gives me Goosebumps, but is balanced perfectly with Wrights ethereal backing vocals. Close your eyes and find yourself transported back to the days of wild seas and pirates.
Emerging from the darkness of Bridge of Sighs you are met with the persuasive harmonies of ‘Homely Ground’, the debut single from the EP. It’s a beautiful song with Kennedy’s vocals drawing you in. The closing track I Hope We Go is once again a perfect platform for Kennedy’s vocal talents with a voice filled of edge and emotion it’s an instrument on its own.
This talented quartet has produced a smooth and polished EP more typical of a seasoned performer than a young band’s debut EP. Their sound being a blend of contemporary and traditional will appeal too many and I see big things ahead for these guys.
◀ STANDOUT ⁞ Homely Ground ▶
◀ CONNECTION ⁞ Bon Iver | Hudson Taylor ▶
