SHADED – The Better Man In Me

Surrey-based pop-punk quartet, SHADED, have released their debut EP ‘The Better Man In Me‘, and it’s a punchy six-track mix inspired by all of your favourite pop-punk bands. The first thing that strikes me with this band is that they don’t sound like your average pop-punk band. In a genre that can often sound a […]

Surrey-based pop-punk quartet, SHADED, have released their debut EP ‘The Better Man In Me‘, and it’s a punchy six-track mix inspired by all of your favourite pop-punk bands.

The first thing that strikes me with this band is that they don’t sound like your average pop-punk band. In a genre that can often sound a little samey, it can be hard to find new ground and sound original, but SHADED do this with ease. Taking elements and inspiration from big-name bands like State Champs, WSTR, and 5 Seconds of Summer, SHADED have crafted their own brilliant sound.

The EP opens with their first single, ‘Better With You‘, and a summery riff leads the song to vocalist Matt East singing about missing a relationship, before building to a big chorus. Relationships (romantic and otherwise) and post-relationship feelings are a recurring and relateable lyrical theme of the EP. East said about the EP, “If, somehow, even just a few people can relate to and connect with our music, we’ll be over the moon.” It’s a solid opening track, with catchy melodies and hard-hitting riffs, and overall, it can’t be faulted.

Track two, the catchy Knucle Puck-esque ‘Here’s To Starting Again‘, continues with SHADED‘s impressive sound. Callum Irons’s riffs are a definite highlight throughout the EP, taking on a slightly heavier tone in this track, juxtaposed with more positive lyrics about restarting a relationship.

Too Far Distant‘ is a slow jam, helping to break up the fast paced pop punk, and it’s a favourite of the EP. Even if you haven’t experienced any heartache, you can really relate to the powerful and heavily emotive track, before the band revert back to catchy melodies and hooks in ‘Bitter Cold‘. This song sees East takes a more positive outlook on relationships, atop the band’s always infectious rhythms and riffs.
Deal My Hand‘ ends the EP on a high. It’s anthemic, sounds very Neck Deep, and sees the band playing at their absolute best. There isn’t much more to say, aside from that it’s well worth a listen, just like the rest of the EP.

Chandni Sembhi

September 1, 2017

I'm Chandni, I review albums and gigs, and in my spare time design t-shirts on Redbubble, and play guitar. My life goal is to be a music journalist, so I guess I'm living the dream. My music taste varies from indie to metal to pop-punk.

@chandni_s_

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