Austin Shaw: FELT – Release Date: September 15, 2017
Review by DOTTIE PARIS
Santa Cruz is one of those kinds of cities that allows an individual to fully express himself. As a city, it thrives in forward thinking and creativity.
Austin Shaw left music behind after he finished college and he started his climb up the corporate later, after a few years he felt like something was missing so he left his job in corporate America and moved to Santa Cruz to reclaimed the artist and songwriter that always lived inside of him.
Shaw released a 4-song EP, Selections from Felt, earlier this year. His follow-up and full-length debut album FELT is coming out on September 15 and it’s got that same honest emotion and feel good vibe. FELT is a solid mixture of rock, soul, folk and Americana-influenced songs. The songs float between confessional numbers, soulful rockers and emotional ballads.
Felt kicks in with a sharply infectious and very personal opener, “Citrine.”
“Essentially it’s a story about a daughter losing her father at a far too early age,” Shaw said. “Something I endured and watched my family struggle through. The song ‘I’ve Been Leaning’ is a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the person that has your back.”
READ MORE ABOUT AUSTIN SHAW HERE AT CALIFORNIAROCKER.COM
The title track “Felt,” is honest and uplifting with chiming guitar lines and impressive vocal delivery.
“It’s about meeting your soul-mate and knowing it just by the feel of it,” Shaw said. “Even before you get to know them, you just know.”
‘Long Live Romance’
“Love on Both Sides” is very emotional, in a “long live romance” kind of way. And “Without You” tells the story of getting over the one that got away. You can be assured there is a warm, relaxed melody running through the album and a hook or two to chew on.
The ambitious album is filled with melodic navigations through the darkness of heartbreak and the light of love. Showcasing a modern, yet timeworn songwriting approach and rustic yet soothing voice. Folky and soulful, FELT is a solid effort from a memorable songwriter.
For more information go to www.austinshawmusic.com
