Indie rock band from UK Shinaway have released their LP album, 'Love Hate.' The full-length album has been proudly published on the Slaughter Records independent record label. Containing nine original tracks for an approximate total listening time of half an hour, “Love Hate” is an arresting example of brilliant songwriting and expert musicianship fans of all genres will appreciate.

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The overall composition of 'Love Hate' recalls those patient rock ballads from Stone Roses, albeit in a more modern tone. Shinaway embrace a lo-fi mentality in their studio production, too, preferring to lay down a few excellently performed tracks rather than bury songs in wall-of-sound overdubs. Music by the Stranglers has the same underlying minimalism. Shinaway's penchant for penning memorable and socially relevant lyrics is akin to the artistic principles of Sam Cooke, who often attributed his success to “the art of observation” during the Civil Rights movement.

 

Speaking of their own themes on 'Love Hate,' Shinaway write, “We wished to write songs about real issues from what's happening in the news to the very personal challenges that people can face, from mental health and assault to broader issues such as people displacement. While the subject matter of some of the songs is a little dark, we wanted to create tunes with simple hooks to sing along to.”

 

The hooks are there, beyond doubt, making 'Love Hate' an album which fans of pop will absolutely enjoy. However, to call the LP 'pop music' would diminish the lyrical clout of the album. Subjects like the cruelty of humankind ('Head in the Sand') are dealt with in a straightforward and touching manner that somehow neither darkens nor depresses. These are balanced with less weighty songs like 'Wrapped Around Her.'

 

All in all, fans of alt-rock around the world have a surprise treat in 'Love Hate' by Shinaway. The LP stands as a shining sign that the true spirit and sensibilities of the original indie-rock sound hasn't just survived – it's continuing to grow and to flourish in colorful and evocative ways.

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Sean McCauley

Octiive