The Shantlys channel a classic rock sound on their sublime new single, "So Long"
Review by Austin Sher
Released today on September 18th, 2020, The Shantlys are here with another rocking single, titled “So Long”. Needless to say, we loved it! Please read along for our review and thoughts on the track, in addition to a brief bio on the band.
Currently based out of Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire, The Shantlys certainly aren’t new to the music scene. In fact, they’ve been touring for years and have recorded EP’s and albums at Abbey Road Studios and Sawmills Studios as well. What you’ll notice in some of their discography, and this single specifically, is that the band were very much inspired by Oasis, and as a result were obsessed with other influences such as The Beatles, Stones, The Who and The Sex Pistols.
This however didn’t really form the sound that people associate with the band. Johnny Cash, his lyrics and rhythm has evidently been a very big influence, but what’s more prominent is the musicianship that lies in Motown music. The beats, the melodies, harmonies and lyrics is what inspires the bands writers.
Speaking directly to this newest tune, “So Long”, with no prior experience in the band’s music, we were totally sold at the opening. The opening mix of the pounding drums and reeling guitar solo were enough to bring us in and keep us focused. Based on their influences, we definitely heard a mix of Oasis and a glimmer of The Sex Pistols as well. Although the influences were present, The Shantlys certainly have a unique sound of their own. Within the vocals specifically, that’s where we were the most impressed. That’s not to say the instrumentation didn’t wow us, but the clarity and delivery of every lyric had us drawn in and waiting for the next line to be delivered.
After listening to “So Long”, we had no choice but to dig into the rest of the band’s work, and let us just say, we were highly impressed. Listening through their 2019 album release Written Rough allowed us to hear the evolution of their sound on “So Long”. We can hear they’ve come a long way and we’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on everything else they release. All in all, if you’re a fun of uptempo classic sounding rock, you’re going to love this.
For all things The Shantlys, to listen to “So Long”, and to keep up with all future releases and information, please check out the following links below.
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