Shockpowder – Evergreen Solace (2023)
In an interview with Music Arena GH, Shockpowder described their music as an “…appeal to a set of feelings that you can only get when you’re really taken away from this world, like deep meditation…” and the ethereal, nostalgic, reflective melodies certainly do set you adrift in a hazy sense of meditation.
Founded in 2015 by singer-songwriter Joshua Scurfield, Shockpowder is a whirl of shoegaze tinged with metal. In fact, the band has been dubbed as “metalgazing”, so you can imagine the beautiful fusion of these styles. Since the release of Shockpowder’s debut single ‘Lucid’ in 2018, they have featured on Musicality Unlimited, Karl Is My Unkle, Iggy Magazine, The Music Arena, Indie Chronique, and various other publications reaching far beyond their UK borders.
Hot on the heels of their well-received single ‘Summerglow’, Shockpowder releases their sixth single in 2023: ‘Evergreen Solace’. With their signature melding of shoegaze and metal, ‘Evergreen Solace’ finds the delicate line between synth-driven tones and hard-hitting rock-inspired instrumentation. Bold, powerful and filled with a heavy passion, Shockpowder have you twirling about in a mystical haze with ‘Evergreen Solace’.
Leaning more towards metal and grunge, a distortion exists within the melody enhancing the obscurity of the track. Then again, the overall heaviness of the track seems to weave this obscurity into a soothing, mellifluous flow. Joshua Scurfield’s vocals insert a warmth and comfort into ‘Evergreen Solace’, however, a brash ruggedness retains a gruff quality within the song.
What I love about Shockpowder is how they elegantly arrange each chord to evoke a memory, feeling or wistful sensation. The rollercoaster ride of ‘Evergreen Solace’ is packed with well-placed synths, guitars, drums and, of course, Scurfield’s dulcet voice. Floating along, you feel a wistfulness through the melody tearing at your heart and leaving you swirling about in a pool of nostalgia.
“’Evergreen Solace’ is another attempt to capture nostalgic heaviness. It’s jubilant in just the right way that tickles a sorrowful nostalgia! The “oh, I remember that” feeling that brings some tears to your eyes…” – Shockpowder on ‘Evergreen Solace’
For more from Shockpowder, check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
