Shattered Semblance - Why Is Everyone Staring
Alternative/Alt. Rock, Dark Pop, Rock
Illinois, United States
Overall Impression: With a deeply poignant lyrical theme at its heart and a sincere level of both authenticity and honesty running through its veins, Shattered Semblance's "Why Is Everyone Staring" is a beautifully haunting reflection on one's own trials and tribulations, a touching comment on the inner pain that many are continually burdened with. The touching and tender lead vocal performance that leads "Why Is Everyone Staring" perfectly embodies the delicate nature of the lyrics and does a superb job of conveying the emotional heft that the song carries, and when combined with the thoroughly absorbing musical arrangement that accompanies, the result is a tremendously atmospheric and meaningful piece of songwriting that is sure to relate to many a listener.
Strongest Point(s): A piece of songwriting such as this that marries sweeping string themes, delicate piano progressions, and an emotionally potent lyrical subject matter together needs a vocal performance that can match the deeply profound themes that weave throughout the writing, and it's safe to say the lead vocals do an absolutely sterling job of capturing the emotional nuance that the track both requires and deserves. Highly expressive and wonderfully graceful in nature, the vocal performance is able to instantly absorb the listener into the track's undeniably atmospheric soundscape, effortlessly withholding the listener's attention with both striking ease and the utmost of conviction. The musical backing that accompanies is of equal emotional weight and also beautifully arranged, the way the song subtly introduces its various elements works wonders, and the smartly chosen instrumentation perfectly compliments the tender nature of the vocals brilliantly.
Target Audience Appeal: In regards to audience and which other demographics to best target, it's hard to make a full comment without listening to a range of tracks to better gauge the overall over-arching style of the group, as it stands, this is a track that could easily appeal to fans of the contemporary singer/songwriter genres as well as harder rock styles. As the track comes to a close, there is a natural feeling of it wanting to transition into a more metal-based track, it naturally feels as if it's going in that general direction, and if this is the plan, then I would certainly focus your efforts on targeting audiences who engage with female-fronted rock and metal bands such as "In this Moment", "Evanescence" and " The Pretty Reckless", which you have already found relevance in with regards to your current user engagement.
Artist target suggestions: London Grammar, Amy Lee, Stone Sour, The Pretty Reckless, In This Moment, Sarah Proctor, Dodie, AURORA, Lana Del Ray, Rivals, Halflives, The Material, Lacey Sturm
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.