SHADOWPLAY

"For a debut album, Shadowplay comes out with all the honors! With a drummer who does not hesitate to put some runs well without us felt rotten with his double bass ( Intro / Dystopia ), a guitarist who can put the chill on a unexpected solo ( Dark Hour ), a singer who lived and seems often quite vocal harmonies found. Add to it a few finds in the arrangements and excellent production, and can you can't go wrong with this record. Hats off to you guys! You did a good job! The kind of group that I enjoy defending."Didier Merlateau ~ Ondesde Rock Reviews - Ondes de Rock

Despite recent trends, good music never comes from TV contest winners slickly produced, packaged and marketed. The best rock music comes from small groups of talented friends who get together, jam, bounce ideas off one another, refine their sound in local clubs and eventually unveil that unique vision they’ve created to a broader audience. Call me an old fart, but I think that's the way it should be. Shadowplay’s debut album – Visions – is a great example of a young band following in that grand tradition, and the result is both fresh and timeless. The album is characterized by a dark tone, but just when it seems things are becoming bleak, an optimistic thought breaks through to provide some hope. “There’s not enough time to save the world . . . but we had damn well better try.” vocalist Andrew Corkery sings in his powerful, raspy voice that seems to always be near the edge.Along with Corkery’s vocals, Dan Holden’s guitar work is skilled, imaginative and powerful. Those two elements of powerful vocals and energetic lead-guitar provide the rock & roll street cred, but this is a band that is extremely solid in all areas and John Seller’s bass and keyboards, Tim Bear’s manic drums and Ed Flynn’s rhythm-guitar all work together magnificently. My personal favorite track is Autumn Sky which begins with a slow, ethereal intro but builds to become much more powerful and driving. That sort of dynamic range is heard throughout, and the contrasts are what make this album truly special. Soft, dreamy sections give way to powerful, fast-charging riffs . . . dreary fatalism gives way to optimism and hope. There always seems to be something new around each corner and that keeps the listener engaged. It has all the key elements of classic rock & roll but with a fresh take that makes it stand out as a unique work. An outstanding effort from an up-and-coming band that is sure to take the world by storm. - Offbeat Indie

Though most of the tracks from "Visions" are much older than the album which debuted first from the bands website through free stream on Halloween 2012, this collection of songs is now ready to take on a life of their own as it is released as a whole. With much fanfare from around the world, each track has found a home in every listener. Not set out as a concept album, each of the tracks seems to tell a story from each of the band members that may vary from one another.
- The Band Review

A band all about the excitement of discovering powerful sentiments while at the same time not losing their power to rock out. The music has the anxious joy that can only come with youth and figuring out new potentialities for oneself. I think there's more concentration on having vitality and consistent thriving intellect than on any standard rocking out impulse which is a good trait to have in a rock band. Hell, a good trait to have when you're young; it's a way to fight off naivete. They work their hardest to move you with depth that is not pretentious but rather constantly searching and evolving. Shadowplay is a consistent mission of perceptivity.
- Free Music Critic

Shadowplay is a great young rock band out of Philadelphia. Their sound is a mix of classic 70s rock and modern rock. All five members of Shadowplay are 19 years old. They started the band while in high school. Andrew Corkery, lead vocals, and Dan Holden, lead guitar and backup vocals, originally formed the band in 2006. They are inspired by that music as well as their own, but more importantly by playing that music together. I would say Shadowplay is on their way to doing just that. They remind me of U2 in the early days, not their sound, but how they started and their outlook. They both started a band in high school, even though they didn’t have a lot of talent. But what both groups did have was that special something when they played together in front of an audience. And the more they played, the more their talent grew. Keep an eye out for when Shadowplay comes to your town. - Word Press

Visions has a collection of songs that vary in styles and realms of rock music. But have a core that can truly only be called Shadowplay music. With feeling and emotion driven lyrics. front-man Andrew Corkery exudes rock star with his stage presence while belting out such tracks like “Dark Hour” and “Like a Phoenix“. With a style that is much more aged than his 20 years. With a sound reminiscent of Ian Astbury (The Cult) and a great range, he brings the listener into the journey each track tells a story of. With Phoenix Holden‘s axe grinding out such masterful solos and riffs, twisting around the beat bass driven music of Tim Bear, John Sellers and Ed Flynn respectively. Together, all encompass the sound that makes Shadowplay sound so well beyond their years. - Rebel Radio

"Every band strives for that timeless hit. That track, or tracks, that will last longer than a fad, but for an endless period of time. Some come close, or have one track that fits the mold. With “Visions”, the New Jersey rockers Shadowplay have managed to put together a collection of timeless hits. With elements of classic rock from the 60's and 70's, modern styles of the 80's and 90's and exuberance and youth of the 21st century, these young artists have got something all should be aware of. A sound that can easily live in any of the rock eras stated." - Skope Magazine

Shadowplay is a great young rock band out of Philadelphia. Their sound is a mix of classic 70s rock and Soundgarden. Coincidently I met the lead singer, Andrew Corkery, at a Soundgarden show in Philadephia July 13th. After talking, we realized we were both at the Soundgarden show in Chicago the previous summer at Lollapalooza. Even though I have yet to see Shadowplay live due to geographic reasons, I am captivated by their music, their energy and their passion thanks to YouTube. All five members of Shadowplay are 19 years old. They started the band while in high school. Andrew Corkery, lead vocals, and Dan Holden, lead guitar and backup vocals, originally formed the band in 2006. A year later bassist George Legatos joined. In 2008 John Sellers, who plays bass, guitar, and keyboards joined the band. Shadowplay was complete in 2009 with the addition of drummer Tim Bear.

The boys of Shadowplay like alternative and rock music of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. They are inspired by that music as well as their own, but more importantly by playing that music together. According to lead singer Andrew Corkery, “Our goal is to inspire people with our music and rock out til the end of time. And become successful and huge in the world of music.” He goes on to say, “I see myself inspiring people with my music and helping to make the world a better place.”

I would say Shadowplay is on their way to doing just that. They remind me of U2 in the early days, not their sound, but how they started and their outlook. They both started a band in high school, even though they didn’t have a lot of talent. But what both groups did have was that special something when they played together in front of an audience. And the more they played, the more their talent grew.

Keep an eye out for when Shadowplay comes to your town. You won’t be sorry. For a full listings of their shows, check out shadowplayrocknroll.com and their page on ReberbNation.
- Wordpress.com

Hailing from New Jersey comes a group of young musicians with a classic sound in the form of Shadowplay. I gave their self-titled EP consisting of eight tracks a listen for PB. First impression is of the in your face ‘80s hair metal vocals from front man Andrew Corkery that immediately remind me of greats like Sebastian Bach, formerly of Skid Row. The debut EP from this youthful quintet features tracks titled, Darkest Hour, Like a Phoenix and Pulse. These tracks show the range covered on the EP.
The guitar solo on Darkest Hour is awesome. It helps bring the track some shine for this lyrically somber song written by the founding members, Corkery and lead guitarist Dan Holden. The format is more like a prose than a traditional song, like it lacks a chorus. Despite this, Darkest Hour, has a clear message and hints towards being written for a depressed friend in a dark place and in need of support.
The next track on the EP, Like a Phoenix, is another nontraditional formatted song with a short but sweet chorus that does not take over the track. This is almost like the epic love ballad of the EP. Repeatedly a mysterious unattainable female is referred to as a pedestal to aim for. I loved the rhymes used in the lyrics of this track, like using ‘transfix’ to rhyme with the ‘phoenix’ object of affection the song is dedicated to.
Pulse is the fifth track and balances out the ballad before it by being the frustrated and anger-filled track of experience. This is the falling out of love portion of the cycle that most songs are based on . Although this could also just be teenage angst against the world and it’s “overbearing attitude” as the track laments. While the most angry track on the EP, it still gets a little passive-aggressive lyrically.
Shadowplay’s self-titled EP is released on RomulusXRecords. These determined musicians are headstrong and quickly networking their way to success. With a throwback sound, they have the potential to capture generations of music lovers. “Rock. It’s what we do,” according to their Facebook is an accurate description of the band made up of Corkery on vocals, Holden on lead guitar, John Sellers on bass/piano, George Legatos on guitar/bass, and Tim Bear on backup vocals/drums.
Meredith Stalker
Project Backstage - Project Backstage

Shadowplay comes at you with the passion of youth and the talent and sound of well-seasoned rock-and-roll'rs. By honoring the classic rock style, and still expanding on it by incorporating other styles into their sound, this band has what it takes to succeed and cannot be ignored. - buffalobarfly

Shadowplay is a band for everyone because it combines catchy music with meaningful lyrics and they are all around fun. Their style is classic rock with a modern twist and they have been working hard for years. Check them out and join them on the road to their dreams.

Visit the following sites, the facebook makes it really easy to listen to their songs by viewing their band profile. My personal favorite is Autumn Sky - Musicians United

SHADOWPLAY CD
Review by Michael McKenna 6/6/11
Heavy metal is traditionally characterized by loud distorted guitars, emphatic rhythms, dense bass-and-drum sound, and vigorous vocals. Metal subgenres variously emphasize, alter, or omit one or more of these attributes. What Shadowplay does is present guitars without mass distortion, pulsating rhythms, driving beats and clean but powerful vocals. Their brand of music can cross a few different genres and subgenres but at the same time remains true to their style and presentation. Their clean high-energy sound brings back memories of some of the great bands from the late 70’s to the modern sounds of present day! Shadowplay consists of five talented musicians including Andrew Corkey (lead vocals), Dan Holden (lead guitar & vocals), George Legatos (guitar & bass), John Sellers (bass & keys) and Tim Bear (drums & percussions). Hailing from Mount Laurel, NJ, they have been together as a unit since ’09 and they have progressed in leaps and bounds since then considering that they are still young aspiring musicians. They have played with many acts including Perception of Reality, Take The Hint!, Fictional Eminence, Massively Ill, The New Bedfords, Not In Public, Breaking Laces, Bebebe, Silverqueen, Sinners Saints, and Diversepopgroup.
Their debut CD was produced by their label, Romulus X Records, and mastered by the much-renowned Maor Appelbaum of Yngwie Malmsteen and Rob Halford fame! Their first single, “Ghost Train” has a very deceptive opening then it just explodes in a heavy 80’s style rocker that features vocalist Andrew Corkery’s strong pipes that adds so much energy to the smashing guitar riffs and pulsating rhythms. “Come on, Take a ride on The Ghost Train’ “Like a Phoenix” is an awesome mid-tempo rock track that has all the right ingredients, a catchy hook, cool strings, a kick-ass solo and piercing vox! Lead guitarist Dan Holden just sets this track on fire! I like the way it winds down in the outro. One of the better tracks on this CD! “Autumn Sky” has a nice alternative feel and fits in nicely with today’s sounds. Tim Baer’s percussions are out of the box and George Legatos string work is off the wall! The lyrics are also way cool! BEST TRACK on this CD!! “Pulse” opens with nice rhythms from John Sellers which then morphs in a high energy rock anthem that just vibrates with each beat. It breaks down mid-way and then just picks up where it left off with those crazy vox!
“Clocktower” reminds me of some of the metal monster tracks from the early 90’s from the screamers of the day. Dan Holden’s solo is totally out of the box! AC–DC better watch their backs! “Ides of March” features John Seller’s awesome keyboard prowess and a rhythm which is emphatic, with deliberate stresses. This track reminds me a lot of early Axl Rose material! “Dark Hour” has Judas Priest-like guitar intro with simple string work that transforms into a way cool tune that is totally awesome! “The End of all Things” opens with some nice effects and vocals that excite the listener from the git-go! The solo riffs are hot, the effects add that added dimension and the vocals just kick royal ass! This could be a monster hit! I think this is one of the hottest tracks on this CD!
After listening to this well-produced effort, I can honestly say that Shadowplay has brought back a sound that is sorely missed in today’s rock scene. These young men are a force to be reckoned with and will be making waves on the rock scene! I would give this CD 2 Thumbs Up, but I’ll go one better, This CD is way ahead of its time and I give it a STANDING OVATION!! - Michael McKenna Lehigh Valley Area Artist Reviews

Andrew Corkery is a confident guy. He has every right to be – the band he sings lead vocals for, Shadowplay, is on the up and up. With a show at the Trocadero Theatre on Feb. 25 under its belt and an upcoming gig at Big Heads Town & Country in Warminster, Pa., on March 5, Corkery and his band members have reason to be excited about the future.

Joined by John Sellers on the keyboard and bass, Dan Holden on lead guitar, George Legatos on guitar and bass and Tim Bear on drum, the five-man band is quickly gaining momentum.

Shadowplay’s sound, as described by Corkery himself, is “classic rock with a definite modern edge, not just a re-hash of the old stuff.” Although the term “old souls” can often conjure a sour taste in some mouths, there is no other phrase that comes to mind when listening to Shadowplay’s youthful and exuberant embrace of hard rock’s forefathers. - Temple News

Nice Guys Finish Last? Not in This Case.
Olivia Willard

Shadowplay, an extraordinary band that is a combination of rockin’ riffs, beast bass lines, and vicious vocals, was the band that shook and stunned the Teen Center two Saturdays ago. How did I meet these talented, ambitious young men? Well, I was at the School of Rock in Phoenixville with a few friends to see another band. Shadowplay was the opening act and I immediately knew I had to look into them. I mean, why not? I’m a total sucker for killer sound, edgy tone, and a pretty face… or in this case, five of them. My luck held when they had another concert in the same School of Rock! I had the pleasure of briefly meeting them there. When looking for a band to play at my birthday party, I asked them if they could suggest anyone and they volunteered. After the party, when everyone except for Lauren, the band, and a few parents, had gone home, Shadowplay gave me an insightful, absurdly hilarious, and priceless interview some of which I can’t print, but all of which I won’t soon forget.

At age 18, Andrew Corkery is the lanky, curly-haired, laid-back lead singer. Also18 is John Sellers who gravitates from the bass to the keyboard/piano. Interjecting with “I play the bass too,” is George Legatos who is “48… and by that [he] means 18.” Dan Holden, who starts off his answer with a scrutinizing of the tape recorder and, “how does this thing work? Just talk?... Okay.” And wraps up with the fact that he is also 18 and plays guitar. Coming in at 17 years of age is drummer Tim Bear who, I might add, is more than exceptional in his musical post.
Unanimously deciding that their genre of music is hard rock, the members of Shadowplay each have differing tastes in tunes. Musical favorites range from classical stuff, John tells me, to 80’s hits by artists “from the 70’s who [were still recording] music in the 80’s” says Dan, to Metallica, which is Tim’s choice, to Grunge like Alice in Chains (“I’m a real ‘Grunge-y’ kid,” Andrew points out), to the “new stuff” that George enjoys like Muse and Wolfmother. Along with varying musical tastes, these five also have unique, distinct, colorful personalities that completely complement each other. John then goes on to explain how each member has a “different kind of distinct feeling. For instance, I’m like the hippie-ish fella, like the 60’s, and Dan is like 80’s glam rock, and then George is kind of Indie, Tim is like metal and Corkery (Andrew) is like Grunge.” So, how did five diverse boys get together and form a band that produces a monstrous sound? In the midst of Dan’s incessant “I have a better answer!”, George tells me that it all started with “Jammin’ Club and that’s how [he] met Dan and it just went from there.” Dan continues talking about Jammin’ Club and how he “ironically met Andrew there too”, who found his passion in singing rock and roll. John “joined on a whim”, and Tim was inspired from his years of drumming. Basically, their common interest in music brought them together at Lenape High School.
I went on to ask a bit about the band’s favorite covers, original songs, and the ultimate direction they see themselves going in. The two top covers Shadowplay enjoys playing are “Time is Running Out” by Muse and also “Hysteria”, in Dan’s case, the song he feels they perform the best. They have nine awesome original songs that are in their repertoire, my favorite being Clocktower with its vehement vocals and driving beat, and two works in progress. They make their music by collaborating with either John’s and Dan’s creative sparks, a specific concept, or just a totally random idea. (Is that the equivalent of “putting it in a blender, freezing it and smashing it with a hammer”? Thanks Dan). When asked how Shadowplay had evolved over time, they said at this point the band now has years more experience with their instruments, Andrew ‘s voice has never been as powerful, more sound equipment is available for use and their songs can be “as long as they have to be.” Among some of Shadowplay’s musical interests are Metallica, Alice in Chains, and Muse, whom they model themselves-very well-after. When I think of Metallica, the grating, harsh vocals come to mind. Shadowplay takes out the competition with Andrew’s stellar singing and the rest of the band’s flawlessly tight playing blending seamlessly to create a thunderous sound. Like Metallica, the vocals of Alice in Chains are harsh, but the singer seems to have a wider range of pitches… like Andrew. Again, impeccable singing. When it comes to Muse, the vocals are smoother and higher, the guitar does more sliding, and the drums and bass are steady and thrumming. All in all, especially with their cover of “Hysteria” and “Time is Running Out”, Shadowplay does more than justice to Muse… (and of course to Metallica and Alice in Chains).
Collectively, Shadowplay wants to advance in the music industry and in ten years they see themselves (“right here” says Lauren, cracking us up yet again… it’s late and everybody’s tired) playing huge gigs for charity. Dan says that “if we get a lot of money I’m gonna give it all away.” I still can’t help but grin at the benevolent response. Musically speaking, they also want to tour with major bands and release CD’s (hopefully one-or more-albums per year).
At the end of the interview I realized that talking to Andrew, John, Dan, George, and Tim was like talking to the boys next door, only they were talented times 10,000. As they continue to make fantastic music, they remain totally grounded and not at all full of themselves. These really nice guys will finish first wherever the future finds them.
Shadowplay will be opening for Whetus in Reading, PA at the Silo on May 27th 2010 and at Hangar 84 in Vineland, NJ on June 26th 2010 .
For more information, visit their Website
Shadowplayrockrnroll.com - The Courier Times

This band sounds like they are signed to the major Label! They are so talented. They are the total package! The Looks, the Sound, the Style. Everything to make the big thing in rock music! Everyone has to know about Shadowplay! - The Real Radio Show (Live in Time Square)

"I am impressed by this group of dedicated and talented young men. They have blossomed into true professional musicians and the music is great! I love to sing and dance along when I hear it!" - FAN QUOTE

"Shadowplay, an exquisite combination of fine wine (hard rock) served with the most delicious cheeses (creativity) and crackers (epic-ness) man can buy. What I'm trying to say is that they are a group of super saiyan musicians fighting off the evils of generic music with there epic ...rock!!! The perils of boring music shall be vanquished when Shadowplay reigns king." - FAN QUOTE

" Every member is extra...ordinarily unique and talented in his own way, and together I'm certain that these amazing musicians, these people I call some of my best friends, will someday show everyone that what Shadowplay exists as today is merely the embryonic form of a life force that will eventually proliferate into the "Leviathan Titan of Rock"." - FAN QUOTE

" Remember the days when music was REAL and came from the heart? Remember when it wasn't manufactured in the studio by a bunch of record executives to feature their latest puppet? I do, but I don't know how Shadowplay does. They were born after the music industry had already begun its descent to where it now stands. Yet... somehow they've managed to create the sort of raw, visceral sound that reminds us how great hard-rocking music can be when done right." - FAN QUOTE

"Before I listened to Shadowplay I couldn't think of any new or decent sounding bands. Then one day I decided to check out Shadowplay and within the first 30 seconds of just one of their songs I was hooked. They're more than decent. Their sound is what Ive been looking for and Im sure other people have too.... A heavy but emotional feel that I can head bang to or just relax with. Great vocals, great guitar, great drums, and great bass. Ive listend to Shadowplay's cd at least 6 times in the 5 days Ive had it! *insert smiley face here*" - Hard Rock Cafe

"If you’re a fan of hard rock then you will definitely be satisfied, and maybe even thrilled, by this album. For those who fear stale, generic hard rock (ahem, Buckcherry), be not afraid. There is a far greater emotional depth to the lyrics than you’ll find in most other contemporary releases. The album also has enough twists and surprises to garner the interest of the more skeptical listener, so this really is an album for almost everyone. In short, Shadowplay, to appropriate a Frank Zappa line, is not just another band from NJ. There’s something to these five guys – expect to hear from them again very soon." - Itunes Review

"Shadowplay is the name Rockin and Kick Ass is the Game! This Band is the Definition of Rock music! Fun for ANY Everyone ANY age! There is something for Everyone with this band! This IS what you Wanna hear! The Next Led Sabbath or the Next Black Zeppelin! These old souls know how to Rock&Roll. These young Dudes take you back if your old cat and PLAY the music the youngins Dig too. They're READY to ROCK YOUR SOCKS OFF anytime they have a show! So Ready SET GO on and Press PLAY! SHADOWPLAY!!!! Cause they ROOOOOOCK!!!" - INDIE191LIVE! Show

"SHADOWPLAY has what it takes to be the next greatest Rock and Roll band... Very talented musicians, great songwriting, and complete professionalism... It is terrific to work with these guys on many levels and no doubt they have a bright musical future ahead of them! " - Romulus X Records