under shade
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under shade

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Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Southeastern Performer"

On their new EP, Under Shade rely upon powerful, precise grooves as their basis for every song. Brothers Steve and Rob Dickey provide the backbone on drums and bass, respectively. Jason Cole strums an acoustic guitar, occasionally turning to an electric for lead parts, with an avid ear for both intricate rhythms and gorgeous melodies. He sings, too, and sings well. It's impossible to keep your neck from moving with Something Good coming through your speakers. The first track, “Boulder,” opens with an excellent call-and-response acoustic guitar part playing alone. It begins with a quick, head-bopping string of individual notes that blend into a pretty melody but it remains unresolved until Cole bangs out the answer with two perfect chords. Then the brothers make a lively, hard-hitting entrance and lay down a strong, deep groove. In many instances on this EP, Under Shade seamlessly transit from standard time signatures in their verses odd-time choruses. That is to say, it is almost unnoticeable except maybe in the nature of admiration. Cole's soulful vocals, and uplifting lyrics, are an impeccable complement to their compelling musical basis. It's important to realize, still, that the vocals are the complement to the music and not the other way around. Cole imparts much advice on this album; it is the nature of most of his lyrics. It seems that it's advice that he's giving to himself but his general statement is to keep the utmost respect for your free will, to follow what you love, despite obstacles and distractions. (It seems that even the people who do not live according to this advice still believe in it strongly.) He sings, “Pay up my pockets are hurting/I'll stick with what's working go on/I feel I should/'cause I found my way down to something good.” Under Shade blend their talents into an impressively cohesive EP. The music coheres with itself, and the vocals and lyrics cohere with the music as well. They should have no problem developing a prolific career with the same attention to quality rhythms and melodies that have produced this captivating EP.

- Aaron Mendlesohn


Discography

"Something Good"
under shade EP released in 2003

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Formed in 1991 in West Plains, Missouri, this tightly knit group of musicians has transformed themselves into an independently original force. Jason Cole provides the patent voice and reeling guitar. Steve Dickey creates the signature percussive solidity and finesse known and anticipated by fans. Along side his brother with supportive backing vocals and melodic bass lines, Rob Dickey bridges the gap between rhythm and lead. After officially dubbing themselves under shade, the band relocated from Springfield, Missouri to Nashville, Tennessee to record a series of early demos in the hopes of capturing the attention of local club owners. After a number of successful shows and the acquisition of a reputable entertainment attorney, the band set out to record their first EP with producer/engineer Russ Long (whose credits include Sixpence None the Richer, Wilco, and the The Newsboys). John Painter of the band Flemming and John, also lent his musical skill to the EP's third track, "Find Your Time".

In 2003, the final touch was made with the addition of pianist Ruben Van Pelt. This native of the Netherlands completes the circle by adding a unique fullness and flavor to the music. Bringing an explosive live performance of well-crafted songs with feeling and originality, under shade is one of the most unique and highly anticipated bands in modern music with only a single direction in which to travel: straight ahead.