The Soft Shades put out a four-track EP in November and are now set to release their first LP at the end of this month. Dmitry, a musician since he began learning the accordion at the age of seven, is actively involved in every aspect of the project, from writing and performance to production.
Elaborating on the 11-track CD, Dmitry says, “Everyday mood is what influenced the album. The track titles show in some way what exactly inspired me for each song and all are personal to experiences in my life.”
Up first is “Mountain Dreaming,” a shimmering piece with a heavy rock groove and soaring guitars. The heavy riffing continues on the title track, while “Ghosts on the Lake” slows things down a little at the start before building into a crescendo.
Just as I was starting to get a little bored, the beautifully sparse “Sunshine on the Riverside” came along, leading me to picture just that. There is something epic and Pink Floydian about “First September Weekend,” another of the album’s standout tracks.
Gubsky’s metal influences come more forcefully to the fore on “Skyflares,” but I have to say I tired of it and ended up moving onto the next track, the fairly manic “When This Day Comes.”
“November Storms” was also the title of the aforementioned EP and it’s a fairly pleasing tune. “Hectic Nightshades” closes the album and it’s something of a departure with it’s wayward melody and frantic drumming.
I certainly appreciate the creativity and undeniable talent that went into creating this record but, for me, I think if it’s metal or rock, I prefer it with lyrics. A valiant effort and an impressive debut nevertheless.
Keeper of the Groove will be available from April 22.
Some of The Soft Shades‘ tracks can be listened to here.
For more information, visit the official Facebook page.
