By: Staff
Al Shalliker returns with a contemporary ballad that radiates beauty in "Six White Horses."
There are countless ways to play an instrument, but making it feel like a breath of fresh air while still sounding modern and innovative is the goal of every artist, and Al Shalliker has truly achieved this. The opening strumming of the song features an exciting tremolo, setting up a sense of anticipation, as if an important declaration is about to unfold from this articulate lyricist. The performance is captivating and beautiful.
If you haven’t had the chance to experience Al Shalliker’s music, prepare yourself for a unique experience. He has a way of making it feel like an intimate one-on-one performance, as though you’re the only person in the room he’s singing to. "Six White Horses" has the sound of a love song serenade, so subtle that you might almost miss it, but there’s a bass underlayment that fills out the atmosphere, gently lifting but firmly pressing the acoustic guitar into your audio space. This was a masterful choice in both the song’s arrangement and the engineering of the mix.
The song's elements are meticulously crafted, yes, but it's this careful attention to detail that gives it a polished, radio-ready sound. The final production sparkles with a sense of organization and intent, elevating it to a record label level of quality.
Al Shalliker also has an incredible gift for choosing lyrics that perfectly complement his vocal strengths. The lines:
“I will hear you when you’ve gone / I’ll hear you when you’ve gone / Believe in magic / Worlds we cannot see,”
highlight the beautiful blend of velvety and raspy tones in his voice. He skillfully transitions from light to dark, maintaining a full, vibrant sound while expressing deep emotion throughout the performance.
The harmony elements included cements "Six White Horses" as a piece that echoes the timeless beauty of greats like Bob Dylan. Make no mistake though, it has its very own classic and distinctive sound, marking this song as an unmistakably unique artistic creation.
Al Shalliker has come a long way as a solo artist since his debut solo album, Silver Linings, in 2021. With his latest work, The Diamond Hill, he brings a collection of songs that showcase a rare blend of quality and diversity in the alt-folk genre. This new album is a return to basics, with a more rootsy, stripped-back sound that relies on guitars, bass, and harmonica, while his refined recording style shines through. Teaming up again with two of his longtime musical friends, Al has crafted a record that brims with depth, emotion, and unmistakable quality.
About Al Shalliker
An alt-folk singer-songwriter and multi-talented musician from Plymouth, England, Al Shalliker made a name for himself as the lead songwriter of the band Watershed, known for their dynamic live performances across the UK for over two decades. Al launched his solo career with the acclaimed album Silver Linings in April 2021, featuring hit singles like "Where All the Music Comes From" and "The Voyage."
Now, Al is ready to introduce his highly-anticipated second solo album, The Diamond Hill, set for release on November 8th, 2024. Leading up to the album, the second single, "Six White Horses," was released on October 25th. This track is a heartfelt tribute, honoring the legacy of past generations and those who have guided and inspired us along the way. Following this, the third single, "Oh Felicity," will drop alongside the full album on November 8th.
Prepare to be moved by Al’s rich storytelling and soulful melodies as he continues his journey, redefining alt-folk for a new era.
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Al Shalliker on Spotify & YouTube.
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