Shenanygans release brand new debut album

Based in Solothurn, Switzerland, Shenanygans is a four-piece indie rock outfit that threads their music with an infectious energy and a blend of influences ranging from classic acts like The Kinks to modern artists like Rex Orange County. Fronted by Irish duo Dan and Kaylem Hannon-Barry, who share vocal and guitar duties, and backed by Swiss multi-instrumentalist Tom Brunner on drums and Swiss-Polish singer “Lucky” Luki Hellmann on bass, Shenanygans presents a fresh and thoroughly original take on indie rock music.

With catchy melodies, intriguing lyricism and a magnetic stage presence formed by alternating lead singers and beautiful backing harmonies, Shenanygans offers a unique musical experience that’s struck a chord with audiences. Unveiling their sound earlier this year, they released their debut single “Count on Me” in February, which they’ve followed up with a further three singles.

Now they bring us their most ambitious project to date, their brand new debut full-length record titled “On Monte Verita.” Featuring twelve tracks from their extensive catalogue of material, the album was inspired by the Swiss commune of the same name which provided a haven for renowned artists and thinkers to develop alternative lifestyles a century ago, laying the groundwork for the hippie era decades later.

Kicked off by “All The Trippin’ Around,” the album starts with lively drums and bright power pop style vocals backed by grooving guitar work to craft a bouncy rock n’ roll sound. Based on danceable rhythm, the contrast between the lightly gritty twang of guitar and smooth vocal delivery results in a catchy jam that takes the band’s influences from yesteryear and reframes them in their own modern way.

“With You” follows with uptempo indie rock energy as rolling drums propels bluesy guitar work and the subtle swagger of the vocals combines to deliver an enthralling outing. Setting a breezy scene with “Stormy Days,” airy guitar rhythms, echoes of organ textures and shuffling drums underpin an elegant vocal arrangement of smooth leads and lush backing harmonies to form an engaging piece that puts the band’s timeless songwriting and performance panache on full display.

Other highlights on the record include songs like previously released single “Like Strangers” with its lilting rhythm and plucked guitar leads giving way to the hushed pulse of drums and dreamy vocal lines. Flowing through a delicate arrangement that builds with a laid back bouncy rhythm and playful guitar notes, the ebb and flow crafts a classic retro rock sound as the song reaches a marching rhythm capped by crunchy guitar leads before slipping into a graceful moment of overlapping vocalisations and chime of struck instrumental tones.

The band’s debut single lays down a charming surf rock vibe that channels the buoyant vocal melodies of The Beach Boys as they ride an intricate backing of layered guitars, pulsing bass lines and the gentle rattle of drums. Bringing the album to a close with “I Believe In You,” lightly rolling drums and vibrant staccato guitar rhythms inject a soft energy as subtly processed vocals hover above, offering a delightful final outing on the band’s truly superb debut record.

Showing no signs of slowing down, the band is busy working on new material and playing live shows with upcoming performances across cities in Europe as well as in Japan. Having shown their appeal of their sonic vision on their truly enchanting first LP, 2024 is set to be a breakout year for this exciting band on the rise.

Listen to On Monte Verita below