Oliver Shaw - ‘Of Darker Plains’

Melodic melancholy is the order of the day with singer-songwriter Oliver Shaw. With this, his second album which is released this week, there’s the attitude of Iggy, the swagger of The Sex Pistols and the artistic technicolour of Rufus Wainwright. Mix this with honest, raw storytelling and it equals a refreshing tonic for the brain.

Of Darker Plains has a strong, punk spinal cord, but the vulnerable vocal creates an affable likeability, which is endearing. The title track would be, surprisingly, the perfect partner to a cabriolet ride through the French countryside. It’s a jolly sounding track with harmonic minor scales like you’d find in traditional flamenco, with the sinister stab of not-so-jolly lyrics and an atonal edge vocally.

Be a Man, again starts with the man and his guitar, before launching into an Argentinian waltz of stomping beats. Like the other tracks, this is an exercise in poetic expression. You can feel the pain, the passion and the experiences that created the songs, each as unique as an original watercolour.

The Nothing Song is about “Reflecting the dreams of time to come”, as the lyrics say. It prompts a dream-like state, pondering that nothing is ever quite what it seems, acting as a mindful release.

There’s a song called Burmese Taxi Taxidermy – come on, surely this makes you want to push play. It’s a display of modern-day frustration via the means of punk perfection. The link to the songs title? It’s as enigmatic as the rest of the album, frankly. 

Everyone Needs a Dan Leno is laced with reggae, adding another eclectic element. It’s a joy to listen to. Again, the lyrics don’t get the jolly memo, but the juxtaposition is what you’ll be craving a few tracks in.

Other songs are Touch, Just Another Storm in Our House and Instant Grams on this well-formed and topical album. There’s a dark mystery about the music that encourages you to delve deeper into the rabbit hole. Let’s hope we get the chance to soon; “May your sanity be rescued by madness. May your dreams come true and your truths turn to dreams.” (quote from Lewis Carroll)