Drawing influence from generational icons such as The Cure and Nirvana, Leicester four-piece Shallowdrown have shared their eclectic EP, Ghost.
Shallowdrown – Ghost
Consisting of Molly Henry (vocals), Lenny Allott (guitar), Sam McLean (drums), and Dom Tawiah (bass), Shallowdrown are an emerging band that fuses the angsty ferocity of grunge with the ethereal, dreamy nature of shoegaze, all while adding their own signature flair to the mix.
This is further confirmed on their latest five-track EP, Ghost, a record that meticulously balances moments of aggression with heartfelt passages that feel almost palpable. Across its five songs, Shallowdrown demonstrate their ability to move between heavier and more atmospheric territories without losing the cohesion of their sound.
The opening track, Casablanca, starts everything at full throttle. Shallowdrown immediately launch into what could be described as a heavy post-punk piece, driven by their shattering guitar strumming and pounding drums. The addition of occasional shoegazy guitars, alongside Molly Henry’s dynamic vocal delivery, makes this an immediate ear-grabbing moment in this record.
Following immediately, Rot channels the previously mentioned grunge energy through its bouncy instrumentation, drop-tuned guitars, and raw lyricism. There is something deeply nostalgic about this track, one that feels almost tailor-made to awaken the inner 90s child in listeners.
From this point on, things take a shift in mood towards a more poignant sentiment with Song For Callum. The initial riff that permeates throughout the entire composition immediately evokes the spirit of 90s grunge and alternative rock once more, mirroring a colder and more sorrowful vibe. Here, Shallowdrown showcase a deeper side of their songwriting, allowing the emotional weight of the track to shine through.
Returning to the chaotic and frenzied performance, Haunting Me is the perfect tune to blow your speakers out with its combination of sludgy guitars and emotionally drenched vocals. It is a powerful display of the band’s heavier side, bringing together the raw intensity and unfiltered emotion that have become one of the staples in this short record thus far.
Almost as if the record were closing in full circle, Take Me Home ends the EP in much the same way it started, with an intense shoegaze showcase and equally powerful songwriting. One of the standout moments arrives near the end, when the song tricks you into thinking it has already finished, only to return to its striking chorus one final time, giving the EP a remarkably dignified ending.
Potent and overflowing with raw lyricism, Ghost is more than either a grunge or shoegaze record. Instead, it is a grounded amalgamation of both styles, fierce yet filled with traces of heart-wrenching vulnerability.
Ghost was recorded at Leicester’s Liquid Tone Studio by producer and mixing engineer Anthony Sotelo, alongside renowned mastering engineer JP Braddock, known for his work with The Smashing Pumpkins. With such experienced names behind the production, Shallowdrown seem more than ready to take the next big steps in their career.
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