Brand new EP from Shayan Regan

Over the last few years, Shayan Regan has been making an impact in the indie music sphere with an emotive and truly poetic musical offering. An independent singer-songwriter and producer whose artistic vision teeters between vintage melancholy and modern reverie, Shayan began his journey in the most unassuming way; recording songs on his phone, just voice and guitar, dripping in emotion. That DIY ethos flourished into something deeply compelling and in 2021, he stepped into the studio to reveal his eponymous debut EP, beginning a steady ascent through the streaming ether with a catalogue now boasting millions of plays.

His early work drew natural comparisons to the likes of Jeff Buckley and Bon Iver, with critics praising the aching honesty of his lyricism and the timeless quality of his sound. His songwriting is often described as the voice of heartbreak itself, it’s delicate, confessional and thoroughly honest. Since making his entrance, he’s delivered an incredible catalogue of work across several singles, EPs and full-length records, resulting in a musical output that’s won over fans and tastemakers around the world.

Now, Shayan Regan unveils his latest work with Selene, a five-track EP that marks the beginning of a conceptual voyage. Framed around a man’s growing obsession with a celestial being known as Luna, the EP distils the emotional moment before departure, when love tips into longing and Earth becomes a memory. It’s an intriguing starting point for a larger mythos and it showcases Shayan’s ability to balance intimacy with vastness.

Selene opens in familiar stripped-back, acoustic terrain before shapeshifting into new sonic spheres. The record expands like the cosmos itself, moving from warm melancholia into dreamy psychedelia, glam-tinged rhythms and interstellar grooves. “Eos” sets the release in motion with a a gentle, psych-tinged indie pop outing that flows with a laid back rhythmic sway, soft bass lines and mesmeric vocal leads, forming a transportive soundscape that pulls you in and wraps you in a subtly spacey fabric.

“Luna” casts an enchanting scene with a charming indie folk style piece of warm acoustic guitar-led arrangement, the mellow patter of drums and blissful melodic leads carried by elegant vocal performance. With “M A G NE T I C A,” Shayan injects a playful groove of snapping percussion, pulsing bass notes and airy instrumental textures capped by his expressive vocals that take flight as the track surges with dazzling melodies and shimmering aesthetic.

On “Drift,” the twang of lively guitar chords and punch of drums form a disco-inflected jam that glides with upbeat energy and infectious vocal lines. Crafting an instantly memorable pop-focused sound, it’s a stunning showcase of Shayan Regan’s catchy songwriting and engaging performance panache, propelled by danceable grooves and bright instrumentation.

Closing the release with “Perigee – V4,” the smooth shuffle of downtempo rhythm and hazy swell of instrumental tones are met with graceful vocals which flutter above with sparkling quality. Jumping into a brisk groove of hurried drums and bouncy arrangement, Shayan’s superb voice spins delightful melodic flourishes throughout, resulting in a spectacular finale that brings the first chapter of the story to a conclusion while building the excitement for where it will go next.

Listen to Selene below