Shayne Cook – Miles Away (2023)
From Iggy Magazine to Infomusic, Roadie Music, Indie Dock Music Blog, Artisti Online and various other publications, Australian singer-songwriter Shayne Cook has been described as “nothing short of Magnetic” (Find No Enemy) and “…sweet and haunting…” (London FM). Further accolades include reaching the iTunes UK Top 25 charts and the Top 3 South African iTunes. Often compared to Nick Cave, Thom York and Bon Iver, his hypnotic but spine-chilling music reaches audiences on a gut-wrenchingly intimate level. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Miles Away’.
His first release in two years, ‘Miles Away’ follows 2021’s five-track EP, The Death of Music In A Capitalism Shitshow. Blending elements of indie-folk with indie-rock in a dark sonic package, ‘Miles Away’ is a heartfelt ballad with a bit of a raw kick. Co-written with Richard Grewer, ‘Miles Away’ is an acoustic-inspired single and, as such, a simplistic soundscape is implied; however, the arrangement has a kaleidoscopic quality. Mostly an organic arrangement, but with a strong electric lead guitar ending the melody, Cook finds that delicate line between old-school folk and rock.
Recorded at Brisbane’s Hunting Ground Studios and Victoria’s Fight Night Records, the melody can hold its own in its unique style, but it is Cook’s vocal execution that really grabs your heart. An obscurity similar to Nick Cave can be heard but the dulcet richness of his voice makes him far more endearing. Sophisticated and elegant, ‘Miles Away’ is an evolution or honing of Cook’s sound – then again, it might be the influence of Grewer influencing the song’s tone. The thing is, while there is a maturity in this single, it still has a raw innocence breaking through the vulnerable wistfulness.
For more from Shayne Cook, check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
