Shed Seven, often unfairly labelled as underdogs of the Britpop era, are marking their 30th anniversary year as a band with their first new studio album in just over 6 years. ‘A Matter of Time, is set for release on January 5th 2024 via Cooking Vinyl and sees the much-loved York outfit simultaneously paying homage whilst embracing change.
The most significant change comes in the form of the band itself. Core members, vocalist Rick Witter, guitarist Paul Banks, and bassist Tom Gladwin are now joined by drummer Rob ‘Maxi’ Maxfield (Audioweb) and keyboardist Tim Willis (Ian Brown). The original trio have not been shy in delving into their musical roots for ‘A Matter of Time,’ crafting a record that serves as a heartfelt homage to their early influences, whilst the introduction of new members and fresh sounds poses an exciting future for the band. The result is a liberated exuberance and full-throttle rock ‘n’ roll attitude synonymous with what Shed Seven are all about.
The recent additions to the line-up resonate effectively on the latest album, infusing the band with a renewed vitality. Their contributions to the signature sound, particularly in nuanced aspects, prove to be a significant addition to the band. The inaugural track of the album serves as a prime illustration of this. Titled ‘Let’s Go,’ the very name implies an eager anticipation, and the composition is propelled by an unwavering drum pattern, dynamic vocals, all interwoven with nostalgic undertones. A vibrant Shed Seven classic in the waiting. A few songs in, and there is a feeling of rebirth running through the album, this lines up with comments from Paul Banks about the making of this record being a homage to cherished times but also exciting times ahead for the band. It’s worth noting that the term ‘Let’s Go’ appears in multiple tracks on the album, clearly the motto in the studio.
‘Kissing California,’ the lead single, exudes addictive energy with chiming guitars, sun-soaked melodies, and charismatic vocals. Described by Rick Witter as Shed Seven’s summer anthem, it’s a celebration of life, an opportunity to revel in the moment. The album unfolds across a spectrum, from adrenalised punky power-pop to epic slow-burners. All this is enriched by special guests. Rowetta (Happy Mondays) contributes fervent gospel vocals to ‘In Ecstasy.’ Shed Seven’s homage to the late ’80s/early ’90s Manchester and dance scene, seamlessly blends their trademark sound with the classic period’s energy. Rick Witter’s charismatic vocals are complemented by the powerful voice of Rowetta, still infamous for ‘Step On.’ The track exudes both darkness and brightness, with a universal pop/rock magic that captures the essence of that era. Witter describes it as a song about love and the need for illumination, featuring moody yet uplifting elements, while Rowetta expresses her delight, stating that the collaboration brought out her inner punk. The result is a track that not only pays tribute to the band’s roots but also elevates them, creating a song that resonates with both nostalgia and contemporary freshness. Also on the album Laura McClure of Reverend & The Makers enhances the folky-pop of ‘Tripping With You,’ and Peter Doherty engages in a duet with Witter on the dramatic closer, ‘Throwaways.‘
A line-up change can often pose challenges for bands, Shed Seven in contrast have thrived on this and used it to create something full of fresh energy and emerged with a powerful and mature record that balances new terrain with nostalgia. The glockenspiels, strings, and multi-layered guitars in ‘A Matter Of Time‘ showcase this. The album, exploring themes of ornithology, sex, drugs, and stalking, features standout tracks like ‘Talk Of The Town,’ ‘Let’s Go Dancing,’ and ‘Ring The Changes,’ each contributing to the album’s varied yet cohesive soundscape.
The album is produced by Grammy Award-winning Youth (The Verve, Pink Floyd) at El Mirador Studios in Andalucia, Spain, and finalized by mixer Cenzo Townshend (Florence + The Machine, Inhaler). You can’t help but sense progression musically and socially. They’ve gone from intimate venues to arenas and outdoor settings (selling out two nights in York in a matter of minutes); they’ve become a bigger live act now than in the ’90s. Classics like ‘Chasing Rainbows‘ and ‘Going For Gold‘ resonate across generations, impacting original fans, their offspring and the latest generation of teenagers hungry for guitar driven music. Vocalist Rick Witter recognises the profound impact their music had on people’s lives in the ’90s. The band, now mature and reflective adults, have maintained the enthusiasm of their youth along with an appetite to explore new musical terrain. The popularity of ‘A Matter of Time’ when it’s released will be to no surprise; a lot of people are going to be happy, but most importantly, the band sounds happier than ever on this record. Shed Seven once again affirm their enduring presence in the music industry, disproving any notion of being a fleeting band.
Fans can pre-order or pre-save ‘A Matter of Time,’ with various physical formats and exclusive bundles, including signed copies available through Amazon, Assai Records, HMV, and select indie stores. The band’s official store offers unique bundles, including a signed digipak CD, a signed dolphin-coloured vinyl, and a dual pink/green cassette.
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