Mike Nelson, known better by his performing name BANNERS, is no stranger to the Alt Rock scene. The release of his first full length album was just a few weeks ago and it is worth noting the work it took to get to that point. With two powerhouse EPs and a myriad of successful singles behind him, it is no wonder that when the Liverpool musician debuted his latest work it was to a group of fans who waited with bated breath.
The album itself brings all the raucous and soulful energy that fans have come to expect from BANNERS, but propels itself beyond his previous works with more evolved lyricism and unique sounds that will surprise and delight any and all listeners. Produced through HOME Music Company, the album is very nicely arranged, directed, and produced. However, it goes without saying that the album’s truly exceptional elements come from BANNERS himself.
He began his musical career singing for the Liverpool Cathedral Choir, and never before have we seen him able to utilize his extraordinarily dynamic vocal range as fully as he does in the album. Seamlessly transitioning from the soft pop melodies of “Safe” and “Heads or Tails”, to the blasting rock-inspired tracks like “Light Up” or “Rule the World,” it seems like there is no emotion he can’t evoke with his music. While Nelson’s vocals are the undeniable auditory highlight of this compendium, one must also acknowledge the undeniable gift he has for creating impactful backing tracks and the immense skill his band possesses.
Another area of distinct improvement for BANNERS highlighted by this album is his lyricism. His writing has evolved to be something that is truly expressive of his life experiences and the challenges he has faced. His lyrics are rich and nuanced and leaves the listener thinking on them for days to come. It signals Nelson’s conscious shift from lyrics that are vague and by extension could apply to anyone, to a focus on telling the story only he can. As he puts it, “Not everything you hear should sound like the truth, Nobody else’s words can define you.”
It is rare to find something truly unique in music nowadays, but
Where the Shadow Ends
certainly is. The album is not just a shift from the norm for BANNERS work, but also a stylistic blend that has never really been seen before in his work. Nelson melds together elements of pop and rock in ways that consistently delight and surprise. In interviews he has cited Jeff Buckley and Regina Spektor as major sources of inspiration, and those influences shine through in the rich choral elements of his album. BANNERS is by no means content to simply languish on the shoulders of giants. He instead dances across them to search for new ways to take his work further.
In spite of all this album has going for it, it must be acknowledged that it is by no means perfect. It bears the mark of a first album in more ways than one and not all of the tracks are of equal merit. The titular track featuring Canadian EDM Duo Young Bombs is regarded as the album’s lowest point.
The album is a beautiful blend of musical elements, styles, and energies, and such a potent and unique introduction can only signal an incredibly bright future for BANNERS. So whether you want something soothing, searching, or just something you can’t help but to dance to, BANNERS’
Where the Shadow Ends
stands as an excellent and inspiring choice for any situation.
