Brand Spanking New: Aaron Shanley – Tears On Elizabeth Street: Part 1

Cover Art for Tears on Elizabeth Street: Part 1

Singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland, Aaron Shanley, graced this blog a few months ago following the release of his album Let The Sun In. Now, he is back with the first in a series of EP releases, Tears On Elizabeth Street: Part 1.

This EP contains three tracks; Here Without You, Amy, Lonely Now, and – as is fairly apparent from the track titles – they were written while on the road about a lost love Aaron experienced when he was in London.

With his gentle, acoustic sound and soft raspy vocals, those feelings have been intensely channelled and make for a trio of delicate, beautiful songs. Parallels can certainly be drawn with Damien Rice, especially with the first track Here Without You, which I take to be the strongest of the three.

Amy  is even more downbeat and low tempo, which, while pretty, could perhaps do with a little more ‘oomph’ to maintain attention. This is something which Lonely Now manages much more with its prominent guitar builds, but there is still part of me left wishing he’d really let all of his anger, disappointment and rejection loose with a well-timed scream or something.

This first EP is due for release on July 4, and the subsequent instalments are set for release on September 5, November 7 and February 5 through Aaron’s own label Love Gum Records.

For music and tour info, check out Aaron Shanley’s MySpace.

Review: Aaron Shanley ‘Let The Sun In’

Aaron Shanley's album artwork

Adding to the folk-rock ranks that seem to be slowly taking over the world, artist Aaron Shanley, has released a new album, Let The Sun In.

Aaron, hailing from Belfast, is has released the record through Love Gum Records; his own independent label. Not bad work considering he’s still only 20 years old.

As for the album itself, there is a lot of what you might expect from a folk-rock record; acoustic guitars, tambourines and catchy melodies. Aaron’s unfussy vocals mix well with the varied instrumentals, and if gentle folk-rock is what you’re into, it definitely delivers.

Track Sarah Rose is perhaps not the strongest starting point for the album, but as the tracks progress there are some promising Damien Rice-mixed-with-The Shins moments; Cotton Fields, Today I and Let The Sun In are endearingly pretty.

So far, title track Let The Sun In is the only one to be released so far, which, with its gentle acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment is incredibly chilled out, with some nice mixed vocal harmonies. The lyrics are refreshing, conjuring up nostalgic, ethereal images that fit the mellow mood of the song. It’s a good soundtrack for a lazy Sunday morning in bed.

After touring the U.S and Canada this summer, Aaron has got more time on the tour bus to look forward to with a UK tour coming up soon.

To keep up to date on what he’s up to, follow Aaron on Twitter.