Shaneolinski - Getting Closer (Retaining the Soul by Nos)

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 10 / 6 / 2011

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Only weeks after Bearsuit's new album, another act from Norwich begs for attention. Shaneolinski is the one-man band of local hero Shane O'Connor, who organises the Howlback-Hum evenings and runs a studio. On this debut, 'Getting Closer', we get 17 tracks recorded over the years for cassettes and CDRs. Helped out by friends and musicians, who probably hang around at Norwich Arts Centre, it has first come out as an LP available from Sound Clash only yards away from that centre in Norwich, and will be followed by a CD and digital download later. Shaneolinski equally captures the odd zigzag wanderer style of wacky indie pop and also the elaboration and sophistication found in true music. Whilst on the right track, Shaneolinski has crafted a sturdy stream of obstinate tunes. There's no thematic coherence. 'Getting Closer' covers several years, and some tracks, like 'Cocoon', sound as if they're remastered and long forgotten gems from the vaults. Shaneolinski even looks very unfashionable, sporting what John Peel often called "one of the worst haircuts outside the Bundesliga", and the man would have played this, were he still with us. Check 'Normal-cum-Odditea' to see if you can recognize the original lines. 'Not a Soul Around' borrows hooks from another rather famous track but I shall not spoil the fun. Oh, here comes 'Party Hat', yet again toying around with a familiar riff that you will still have a hard time tracing. Those moments of familiar sounds aptly juxtapose with the eccentric twists and associated wit of the lyrics. Claire Ivory lends her vocals to a few fine songs, in particular to 'Eudemonists' Phantasmagorical ... (When You're Born)' which works like the grand apotheosis to this uncompromising collection. It's noisy cabaret where drama is funny and where guitars work like saws. Listen to the excellent 'Lousy Losers', and all the time, Shane's pianoplay recalls little lullabies. File next to 4Treck, Ergo Phizmiz and Max Tundra. All reclusive musicians who play ping pong with the listener.

Track Listing:-

1 Cockadoodle Don't (Not the One
2 Vixen
3 Lousy Losers
4 Fast Puppy
5 Cocoon
6 Livid Heck (Ragged Pink Philanthropist
7 Normal-Cum-Odditea
8 Robin Goodfellow
9 Not a Soul Around
10 Hospitalville
11 Party Hat
12 Five Bob Dillion and Dollar Note Bi
13 Ink and Paper
14 Verily Vague Prayer
15 Party Extras
16 Considered
17 Eudemonists' Phantasmagorical

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