Shayne Cook - Epiphonetics (2020)

From the very first track, Shayne Cook’s album ‘Epiphonetics’ hooks listeners in with its mysterious, almost menacing intro. Featuring a sprinkling of electric keys, piano and marching drums, it’s Cook’s vocals here that really get to shine on ‘The Stawell Gift’, the album’s opener. Haunting, dark, and brooding, Shayne Cook has the rare ability to ignite curiosity as you hang on to every word being sung. And, it’s because of this, that the storytelling in ‘Epiphonetics’ is so impressive. There’s some real artistry behind these songs, and it’s evident in tracks like the heartbreaking and emotional ‘Shouldn’t War’, laidback ‘Disaster Yet’ and the narrative-driven ‘City Fire Lights’. Reminiscent of Bon Iver, Coldplay and John Mayer, it’s important to give Shayne Cook his own space, as his brand of pretty piano melodies, evocative vocals, creative harmonies and meaningful lyrics are qualities that are much-needed in today’s industry. Although every song on the album will spur emotion, a must-hear track is the penultimate ‘Back To Love’, a bouncy, highly interesting affair that almost starts out acapella (barring a sparse lo-fi drum beat) until about a minute in. ‘Epiphonetics’ is 9 tracks, but still somehow tells a compelling story from start to finish, and leaves you wanting more. Listen to Shane Cook’s new effort today for pure, talented, indie-alternative pop.