Shell of a Shell – Away Team LP Exploding In Sound Records

Dissonant and complex, Nashville’s Shell of a Shell, lead by Chappy Hull (Pile, Gnarwhal), use their music to pivot between overwrought feelings and the kick in the teeth needed to get up and keep going. They rip through swirling and jittery sonic bliss and crushing celestial dirges, flexing their capabilities through polyrhythmic nuance and tangled melodic introspection. ‘Away Team’ is a very personal record, built on internal feelings of doubt, guilt, reflection, and unshakeable depression. It’s not all bummed out though, Shell of a Shell work a muscular fury in to their songs, pummeling their way through shifting moods and a glimmering hope for humanity. As thoughts swirl around, the mix of light and dark is what saves us all from sinking too deep. ’Away Team’ is blistering with post-hardcore energy, built on elements of noise rock and old-school emo, the band juxtapose a sensitive touch with their propulsive depths and immersive structures. There’s a duality to the album in both the songwriting itself and the ability to just let go and let things wander, as the first half of the record is short and concise, the second half is expansive but tight and focused, exploring extended timeframes to build nuance and set tone. Due out February 28th via Exploding In Sound Records, the band are set to tour this Spring. With their incredible full length debut, Shell of a Shell are letting us view behind the curtains; highs and lows explored with a musical dexterity that goes far beyond their years.