ShangrilaLove and Leaving

After spending the last 18 months working on their new sound, Shangrila are finally here with their latest EP, Love and Leaving.

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While the Perth based band still flirts with the hardcore roots of their previous outfit, Common Bond, they have moved forward into a more alt rock/punk based sound and boy, has this done them the world of good!

Temptress kicks off the EP, introducing an upbeat, yet melancholy sound that’s met with even more melancholy lyrics. Vocalist Devyn Jupp has a sense of authenticity to his voice that lends itself perfectly to this. The tracks that follow continue on the same trajectory, throwing in some frantically paced riffs and off beat drumming to sonically express the frustrations of failing relationships and anxiety, and the torment associated with both. All this just helps the pain and unease behind the words come through that little bit clearer—making the emotional punch that is Love and Leaving hit that little bit harder.

Filled with little drum fills, fast instrumentals and emotionally drenched lyrics, it is a raw, yet refined masterpiece.

Taking several months to write and record at Sumo Sound Studios with Tristan Sturmer, the band also collaborated with ARIA nominated producer Forrester Savell, who has worked with massive Australian rock acts like Karnivool and Dead Letter Circus. Despite the fact that they have played heavy music for the last seven years, Shangrila ran with the support given to them by Sturmer and Savell, and broke out of the pigeonhole their past work set for them. Now, they well and truly are in their element.

Love and Leaving is a little moody, a little dark, a little punky and a little melodic, but it’s entirely catchy. Filled with little drum fills, fast instrumentals and emotionally drenched lyrics, it is a raw, yet refined masterpiece. Sure, we’ve picked three stands our tracks but this is an EP that will cut you deep to the bone in its entirety. If you do one thing this year, listen to in whole.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Love and Leaving, Pushing Through, Stay
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Tired Lion, Movements, Citizen