SHAWN JAMES – A Place In The Unknown (2022)
Big-voiced singer SHAWN JAMES is releasing his new album ”A Place in the Unknown”, and as its colorful cover art, is a storming collection of blues-rock plenty of emotion.
Multi-octave singers with the heavyweight emotional delivery of James are a rarity, and it’s always a treat to hear his blues-soaked vocals on record. He is one of those admirable talents open to exploring all manner of stylistic avenues. In his own words: “I play a wide range of music from folk to blues, R&B, gospel to rock, metal and a lotta things in between.”
For ”A Place In The Unknown”, James has stepped away from the stripped-down acoustic feel of his previous albums to embrace a heavier, rocking sound. It’s a tantalising prospect, and the album does not disappoint.
“Ghost (You Don’t Know My Name)” is a fine opener. The first thing that will hit you is James’ voice. A vehicle of immense passion and power, the singer’s delivery is at the same time remarkably honest, and free of any artifice or sensationalism. Floating on an atmospheric, swirling Americana vibe, this track soon opens out into a thrilling, visceral roots-rocker. Big, rattling drums and winds of guitar whip up a sandstorm of noise, which dives and batters. James stands stoic and unmoving at the storm’s heart, belting out the words like a preacher.
While you’re still recovering, the band launch into “No Blood From A Stone,” a swinging, striding number which brings to mind both Led Zeppelin and Cream. Bombastic and brutal, James’ vocals once again pin everything together with astonishing strength and emotion. As with the aforementioned bands, it is the fine song-writing which lies at the heart of these tracks, married to some top-class musicianship, which elevates the set to a level above the crowd.
“Not Alone” rings out with some quite lovely acoustic guitar before setting into a more restrained, though equally-enjoyable affair. The suitably epic, “Sodom & Gomorrah” sits majestically at the heart of this set. Over the sort of rock riffs you may have thought died out in the ’70s, James brings his effortless force to bear. Where a lesser vocalist might scream, James moves smoothly up through the gears and, like a prestige engine, he does so with ease.
The eight-minute “Attached” displays the width of James’ influences. This is a song which combines the best elements of progressive rock with a grounded feel.
”A Place In The Unknown” serves as an excellent showcase for Shawn James and offers an exciting taste of what might be still to come.
Highly Recommended
01. Ghost (You Don’t Know My Name)
02. No Blood From A Stone
03. Lead The Way
04. Not Alone
05. The Stones Cried Out
06. Sodom & Gomorrah
07. No One Knows
08. The Devil’s Daughters
09. War
10. Only Cowards Drop Bombs
11. Attached
12. What Dreams May Come
Shawn James – Vocals / Guitars
Jimmy Messer – Bass / Guitars / Keys
Charlie Paxson – Drums
BUY
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09RZX839X
