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Time for a change of pace, which is always a good thing, especially when it’s some good, mellowed-out vibes; and especially, especially when it comes from a local artist. I would be talking, of course, about the new Between Here and There EP from local band SHMNS. Now, someone’s going to need to do me a favor and tell me how you pronounce that, but nonetheless, these guys have put together a really awesome sound. It’s almost got a surf rock feel to it, but with some much more upbeat and groovy rhythms that give the album and almost math-rock feel. I would honestly say a comparison to Minus the Bear is not too huge a stretch. But I really want to let this EP speak for itself, and the only way to do that is for you to give it a listen. And be sure to head on over to their BandCamp to pick the album up if you enjoy it as much as we do. - FUNKADELPHIA
Time for a change of pace, which is always a good thing, especially when it’s some good, mellowed-out vibes; and especially, especially when it comes from a local artist. I would be talking, of course, about the new Between Here and There EP from local band SHMNS. Now, someone’s going to need to do me a favor and tell me how you pronounce that, but nonetheless, these guys have put together a really awesome sound. It’s almost got a surf rock feel to it, but with some much more upbeat and groovy rhythms that give the album and almost math-rock feel. I would honestly say a comparison to Minus the Bear is not too huge a stretch. But I really want to let this EP speak for itself, and the only way to do that is for you to give it a listen. And be sure to head on over to their BandCamp to pick the album up if you enjoy it as much as we do. - FUNKADELPHIA
Time for a change of pace, which is always a good thing, especially when it’s some good, mellowed-out vibes; and especially, especially when it comes from a local artist. I would be talking, of course, about the new Between Here and There EP from local band SHMNS. Now, someone’s going to need to do me a favor and tell me how you pronounce that, but nonetheless, these guys have put together a really awesome sound. It’s almost got a surf rock feel to it, but with some much more upbeat and groovy rhythms that give the album and almost math-rock feel. I would honestly say a comparison to Minus the Bear is not too huge a stretch. But I really want to let this EP speak for itself, and the only way to do that is for you to give it a listen. And be sure to head on over to their BandCamp to pick the album up if you enjoy it as much as we do. - FUNKADELPHIA
Time for a change of pace, which is always a good thing, especially when it’s some good, mellowed-out vibes; and especially, especially when it comes from a local artist. I would be talking, of course, about the new Between Here and There EP from local band SHMNS. Now, someone’s going to need to do me a favor and tell me how you pronounce that, but nonetheless, these guys have put together a really awesome sound. It’s almost got a surf rock feel to it, but with some much more upbeat and groovy rhythms that give the album and almost math-rock feel. I would honestly say a comparison to Minus the Bear is not too huge a stretch. But I really want to let this EP speak for itself, and the only way to do that is for you to give it a listen. And be sure to head on over to their BandCamp to pick the album up if you enjoy it as much as we do. - FUNKADELPHIA
Sounds like: Local Natives, Foals, Brick + Mortar
By Christiana Bartolini | May 9th, 2013
What's so good?
If you haven’t heard SHMNS‘ track, “Secret Shores” yet, then look no further. This is the perfect single for a breezy summer day complete with a cold beer and a lounge chair.
For this innovative and refreshing indie rock track, the intricately plucked guitars are perfectly layered to project a beachy feel, while the drums stay classically upbeat and shuffled. The bass slithers its way through the song as the milky vocals lasso you in. This is the kind of song that you hear and don’t forget. It’s not a track you can listen to just once due to its undeniable pop sensibility.
May 14 is just around the corner — that’s when SHMNS will be releasing their debut EP, Somewhere Between Here and There. Perfect timing for the impending warm weather! - Indie Shuffle
Sounds like: Local Natives, Foals, Brick + Mortar
By Christiana Bartolini | May 9th, 2013
What's so good?
If you haven’t heard SHMNS‘ track, “Secret Shores” yet, then look no further. This is the perfect single for a breezy summer day complete with a cold beer and a lounge chair.
For this innovative and refreshing indie rock track, the intricately plucked guitars are perfectly layered to project a beachy feel, while the drums stay classically upbeat and shuffled. The bass slithers its way through the song as the milky vocals lasso you in. This is the kind of song that you hear and don’t forget. It’s not a track you can listen to just once due to its undeniable pop sensibility.
May 14 is just around the corner — that’s when SHMNS will be releasing their debut EP, Somewhere Between Here and There. Perfect timing for the impending warm weather! - Indie Shuffle
SHMNS: pronounced shah-muh-n; a person who acts as intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds, using magic to cure illness, foretell the future, controls spiritual forces, etc.
Meet SHMNS – a Philly-based four piece indie band. Based on those seven words, one could reasonably expect “just another band.” But these shamans are here to act as the intermediary between listeners and an ultra-catchy mélange of reverby, headnodic indie rock, experimental sweeping synths, and curiously effected vocals.
And what’s more, they’re hooking listeners on a grand total of five tracks: their debut EP Somewhere Between Here And There is an intriguing first look into SHMNS as a band with immense potential. As a standalone EP, Somewhere Between Here And There will whet the earpetite of a broad spectrum of listeners – the opening track “OH! Hallelujah!” sounds like a blend of electrified Said the Whale featuring a Daft Punk vocal in the chorus with the driving dance beats classic to Minus The Bear. The second track “Secret Shores” opens with a cavernously reverberating harmony of guitars reminiscent of the The Xx and Explosions in the Sky. The diversity of sounds on the EP will undoubtedly lead to great anticipation of a full length work. However, as a release in its own Somewhere Between Here and There is incredibly thorough: one can see that this Philly four piece has worked tremendously hard to separate themselves from other groups of the same classification. Even for a short recording, a certain Big Lebowski element of rediscovery exists with each listen: something new, unnoticed, and even subliminal appears with repeated listening, something that reinforces that SHMNS are here for the divination of indie rock.
Pros: Catchiness. Especially in the vocals, synth, and guitar lines. Great bass tone, well complimented by tight, spontaneous, dance-oriented drum patterns. Retains for the power of head bobbing.
Cons: Leaves listeners wanting. SHMNS, hurry up with more already!
4.5/5 [A] - KRUA 88.1FM
SHMNS: pronounced shah-muh-n; a person who acts as intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds, using magic to cure illness, foretell the future, controls spiritual forces, etc.
Meet SHMNS – a Philly-based four piece indie band. Based on those seven words, one could reasonably expect “just another band.” But these shamans are here to act as the intermediary between listeners and an ultra-catchy mélange of reverby, headnodic indie rock, experimental sweeping synths, and curiously effected vocals.
And what’s more, they’re hooking listeners on a grand total of five tracks: their debut EP Somewhere Between Here And There is an intriguing first look into SHMNS as a band with immense potential. As a standalone EP, Somewhere Between Here And There will whet the earpetite of a broad spectrum of listeners – the opening track “OH! Hallelujah!” sounds like a blend of electrified Said the Whale featuring a Daft Punk vocal in the chorus with the driving dance beats classic to Minus The Bear. The second track “Secret Shores” opens with a cavernously reverberating harmony of guitars reminiscent of the The Xx and Explosions in the Sky. The diversity of sounds on the EP will undoubtedly lead to great anticipation of a full length work. However, as a release in its own Somewhere Between Here and There is incredibly thorough: one can see that this Philly four piece has worked tremendously hard to separate themselves from other groups of the same classification. Even for a short recording, a certain Big Lebowski element of rediscovery exists with each listen: something new, unnoticed, and even subliminal appears with repeated listening, something that reinforces that SHMNS are here for the divination of indie rock.
Pros: Catchiness. Especially in the vocals, synth, and guitar lines. Great bass tone, well complimented by tight, spontaneous, dance-oriented drum patterns. Retains for the power of head bobbing.
Cons: Leaves listeners wanting. SHMNS, hurry up with more already!
4.5/5 [A] - KRUA 88.1FM
Discography
SHMNS - Somewhere Between Here and There [EP]
Photos
Bio
"This is the kind of song (Secret Shores) that you hear
and don't forget...not a track you can listen to just once
due to its undeniable pop sensibility." - IndieShuffle.com
It wasn't a spiritual journey as many musicians claim bring their songs to life, but for SHMNS - pronounced (sha·mans) - it all fell into place as if destiny were packing a suitcase for a trip not quite yet planned; casually and with equal parts fate and faith.
Philadelphia's electro/indie-pop SHMNS intend to make a bold statement with their debut EP, Somewhere Between Here and There (released May 14). "Here and there is where we are and where we essentially want to be, musically and conceptually," states guitarist Isaac Louis. "It's become our mantra."
Comprised of four music industry students (vocalist Justin P. Romanos, guitarist Issac Louis, bassist Mike Morrongiello, and drummer Richie Straub) who have all experienced the ins and outs of the DIY Philadelphia music culture since 2010, SHMNS aims to add a sense of polished validity to the scene while still remaining true to their roots. Influenced by such artists as Local Natives, Tame Impala and Minus the Bear, the quartet have created a unique sound that is rooted in the various members' frustration with the electronic scene as well as their ambition to create a fresh mix of live instruments with electronic elements.
Everything that vocalist and founder Justin P. Romanos has done musically has lead to this album. "Going into a studio and working with a producer has shown me how different it really is than doing it all yourself," notes Romanos. Initially writing all the songs that comprise Somewhere Between Here and There with a combination of core guitar tracks and midi instruments, his main focus was how to translate these compositions to a full band once it came time to record.
Working with Philadelphia based producer/engineer Brandon Bost, SHMNS were able to develop a unique mix of the electronic elements that dominated their youth with a fresh combination of live musical arrangements. "Recording Somewhere Between Here and There, was an interesting process, figuring out how far I could push the band as musicians and getting to know them as people," reflects Bost. "It was pretty obvious that even though they have a sort of hi-fi electronic exterior, SHMNS is very much so a band looking for vintage tones-cohesively melding their electronic influence with their vintage sound."
There is an unregistered homeyness in SHMNS's debut EP that is softened by wistful hypnotics, gradient slopes that marry harmony and lyrics, and an abundance of beauty and balance in Romanos' voice as he lingers sentiments on the tip of his tongue. Like a summer night so crisp, warm, and humbling, SHMNS cannot effectively run from the mysticism that has been, in ways, naturally selected for their songs; both bold, innovative, yet with a warm touch like that of long drive home with no cars blocking your way.
SHMNS
Justin P. Romanos / vocals
Isaac Louis / guitar
Mike Morrongiello / bass
Richie Straub / drums
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