The Shallowz - Breathe Again
Rock, Alternative
Virginia, U.S.
Overall Impression: There’s an undeniable sense of breath and flow to "Breathe Again", an alternative rock track that's powered by its strong performances and inspired songwriting that helps make the listening experience feel continually absorbing throughout. The Shallowz display a remarkable synergy, each member locked into a groove that feels organic and deeply interconnected, allowing the track to unfold in a way that manages to strike a great balance between feeling open yet always cohesive. This chemistry is the heartbeat of the song, giving it a vibrant pulse that makes the recording feel less like a controlled studio affair and more akin to a live performance.
Strongest Point(s): The arrangement is particularly strong and the way texture and dynamics are used to help create an ebb and flow to the music is excellent. The verses opt for a more restrained yet deeply evocative sound, built upon earthy acoustic guitar textures, balladesque piano progressions, and soft percussive elements that add a tactile warmth to the texture. The vocals in these moments are subdued but heartfelt, weaving between the instruments in a way that feels deeply personal and fittingly understated. Of course, the subdued nature of the verses helps reinforce the impact of the choruses as these sections adopt a more sonically vibrant, and energetic sense of character with the crunchy overdriven guitars, harder-hitting drums, and soaring vocal elements, resulting in a level of contrast that makes the choruses feel like moments of catharsis. But the main reason that all of this works so well is the clear chemistry between every performer, a sense of chemistry that extends beyond mere technical ability. There’s an intuitive push and pull between the instruments and voices, a natural interplay that makes the track feel like a living performance rather than a polished studio rendering.
Target Audience Appeal: "Breathe Again" is an effective piece of alternative rock songwriting and I can certainly see it strongly resonating with fans of the genre.
Artist target suggestions: Counting Crows, Gin Blossoms, Dave Matthews Band, Semisonic, R.E.M., The Wallflowers, Soul Asylum, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Collective Soul, Hootie & The Blowfish
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session guitarist, 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 learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording. Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers.