Review: Shawn James 'A Place In The Unknown'

Shawn James

By Chris Wheatley

A talented singer-songwriter with a singular voice, Shawn James is set to release his new album, A Place In The Unknown, this February 25^th on Parts and Labor Records. 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. Born in Chicago, in ’86, the son of Greek immigrants, James followed the time-honoured path of countless greats, starting out singing gospel in his local church before switching to music which has a broader appeal – a natural transition which has seen the artist grow from busking on the streets of down-town Fayetteville to topping the Spotify charts.

James 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. It’s all done with emotion, feeling, heart and a lotta soul.” For A Place In The Unknown, James has stepped away from the stripped-down acoustic feel of his previous albums to embrace a heavier, rock 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. “If I could end, all the wars and murders, I’d bury them so deep, they’d never find their way out,” sings James, and he makes you feel every word. In other hands, such lyrics might be in danger of sounding contrived, but here you are never left in doubt as to the sincerity of the singer. “If you want to listen to an artist that’s authentic, genuine and original,” says James, “then you’ve come to the right place.” That’s no idle boast, and you get the sense that, with this artist, he would be incapable of putting less than complete commitment into any project. That honesty resonates through every track.

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, folksy 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.

Listen to “The Devil’s Daughters”