A talented trio from the sun-kissed sands of the Sunshine Coast, Shibui Sound have recently released their debut EP, ‘The Hidden Me’. Released independently, the EP is a compelling six-track collection, showcasing the band’s talents and delivering a sound firmly rooted in the therapeutic power of music creation.
Designed to be both profound and impactful, but with a gentle progressive rock sound, ‘The Hidden Me’ was recorded and produced in the band’s local Cleanskin Studios, with mastering handled at Nyssa Ray Recordings in Landsborough. Tracks like ‘Enemy of My Sleep’ and ‘The Beacon’ are a tender introduction to the band’s sound, flowing with light, shimmering melodics, smooth rhythms, and wistful guitar that draws you in at every turn.
Throughout its six-song run, 'The Hidden Me' navigates the expansive musical terrain between mainstream and progressive rock, showcasing the band's appreciation for lush orchestral soundscapes and intricate lead guitar solos. ‘Schrodinger's Life’ pulses with a heartfelt refrain and tempered drums that push the song forward towards a crying guitar solo, while the title track and ‘Dead End Street’ flow with a gentle, expressive quality that is bolstered by the finest elements of past genres.
Lead vocalist and drummer Justin eloquently articulates the profound impact music can have: “The greatest songs allow us to remember, imagine, travel in time, grieve and hope - truly a form of therapy. Whether it's by providing uplift through remembering a time of joy or an aid to coping in a crisis, we hope listeners find connection through our music.”
Opening up about the EP, lead guitarist Gavin shared, “As we worked on the arrangements in the studio, adding the multitudes of layers to the songs, they started to have a life of their own. They became living breathing entities. Slowly and surely, they evolved into the soundscapes you hear on the EP. Every time I listen I hear something new, something different. A lot of time, weeks in some cases, spent tweaking guitar sounds, changing patches, recording, deleting, starting all over, and then… a single note sends a shiver down your spine, and you know you've finally got the sound.”
The band’s core philosophy pays homage to the traditional early rock recording styles, where vocals complemented rather than overshadowed the instrumental prowess. Andrew, who engineered and produced the album, champions the instrumental backbone of their tracks, “A lot of modern recordings are dominated by upfront vocals that leave little room for the listener to appreciate what else is happening within a song. We wanted to revisit the old-school thinking from the 70’s and 80’s where instruments stood out and gave the songs their feel.”
'The Hidden Me' is a testament to Shibui Sound's dedication to their craft, delivering a thoughtful and engaging listening experience that puts the music itself front and centre.
For more information about Shibui Sound, you can visit them on Facebook, Instagram, and on their official website.
