Shanghai Blues Release ‘Tense’
The last 12 months must feel like a whirlwind of activity for Shanghai Blues. They have wasted no time attracting the attention of music enthusiasts at small institutions such as Spotify (The Official Indie List/Hot New Bands/Fresh Finds) Apple Music (Best Of The Week), BBC Introducing and various international radio stations including USA, Canada and the Netherlands, like we said, “Small institutions”. After selling out their debut headline show at The Social (Heavenly Records) in support of their sophomore release ‘Night Tears‘, Shanghai Blues have just recently embarked on their first mini tour around the UK.
We spend this Feels Fresh Weekly looking at their latest track titled ‘Tense’.
‘Tense’ kicks off with a vibrant and determined feel, one which sets out the stand of expectation and manages to make you roll up for a slice of what ‘Shanghai Blues‘ are offering and keep you hooked for the duration. You’ll find that ‘Tense’ emits a measured and effective instrumentation throughout, notably the guitar which is charismatic in its approach and deliverance. It’s not long into the introduction before you feel the track worming its way into your mind, as you find yourself humming it after your first listen. The ambience being built throughout the introduction feels fresh and is as welcome as a pint of your favourite beverage on any given summer’s day.
The bands writing introduces a rougher sound with various vocal effects in places which add further emphasis to the impactful nature of the lyrics. This style of vocal has a call-and-response feeling to it when placed alongside the guitar, especially noticeable during the duration of the first verse. Additionally, the chorus offers an intimate moment to really focus on a stripped back arrangement, allowing the tension to build as you’re introduced back to the bulk of the track.
‘Tense’ gives you the sense of a track that can be considered a crowning achievement for the band. It’s well balanced, it stands out in the places that it needs to and it entertains a tried and tested formula, keeping the very best bits of the track simple and appealing.
In conclusion, this is a track that isn’t going to sit quietly on your playlist and disappear into the background when it is on. It demands your attention, and believe us when we say that it deserves it.
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Listen to ‘Tense’ – Click Here for Spotify
Socials:
Shanghai Blues – Facebook
Shanghai Blues – Twitter
Photo credit: Ant Adams Photo