Shadowcaster - Single Review: Cast a Shadow
Although there is a
band when it comes to performing live, in the studio Shadowcaster is a
one-man affair with Trent Graham performing all manner of guitars and some
keyboards. While it contains elements of the likes of Mumford & Sons there
is also a very definite nod to The Levellers and our very own Albi & The
Wolves (although with no violin). The use of a distorted electric guitar over
the top of the acoustic gives the music a distinctive folk-rock feeling, and at
times it feels quite basic and taking us back to the early Seventies while
there is also some lead picking which feels very Americana in style.
There is a naivety within this, and the use of simple percussion does little to drive the music forward apart from providing a basic beat. This lack of drive and depth is something of an issue in that while this is an interesting number with strong vocals and presence, there is also very much the feeling of an opportunity missed. It does not build as it should, and at the end instead of a climax it just drifts away. However, it must be said that this is a debut single and although Trent has previously been involved with bands it has been some six years since he was working in the scene, so this is very much the early stages of Shadowcaster, and he has started with what is designed to be the theme song. I am sure there will be progression and more layering in the arrangements as he moves forward, and while not absolutely essential there is no doubt that this is a grower and benefits from repeated plays. It will be interesting to see how he builds on this, as there is promise here and I look forward to hearing more from Trent in the future.
About Shadowcaster
Started in 2021, Shadowcaster was started when Trent Graham, who had left the music scene for 6 years after achieving a Diploma in Contemporary Music Performance at UCOL, got another guitar and knew that this is what had been missing from his life. Calling upon his former band mates from high school, the team started working together on writing new, original music, as well as a look at Trent's backlog of original compositions.
Shadowcaster has released 9 songs on digital platforms, started the Small Town Band Podcast, and participated in Battle of the Bands 2023, managing to make it into the Wellington Regional Finals.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Shadowcaster
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