Illusive Mind

I was sitting down listening to some tunes on http://www.triplejunearthed.com/, specifically the electronic charts as it is so heartening to hear fellow Australians producing music that expands beyond the horizons of mainstream.

I happened upon no. 11 “Origin” by Toby Shain and I was absolutely floored. Listen to it right now and then come back and read on because I don’t want to spoil it for you!

www.triplejunearthed.com/TobyShain

www.myspace.com/tobyshainsmusic
You done yet?

So we start out with some really beautiful pads & fx, great details and soaring chords, they kind that pull at the heart and elevate the mind. There are some great lyrics going on subtly in the background and I figure this is going to be a sweet ambient/chill out track.

And then BAM, at the two minute mark, bring in the snares and the amazing, sweeping vocals by Sam McNeil. The combination of this amazing voice, astounding lyrics and sweet chords is enough to exceed all expectations. But wait, there’s more.

At 3:37, bring in the break beat and chunky bass and we have just lost cabin pressure. It’s like three minutes of self contained build up and 4:25 it peaks with the bassline changes and my ears have never been treated so well.

This is brilliant stuff folks and sounds like something straight off Emotional Technology by BT.

So  who is this producer extraordinaire? Here is his bio:

After learning the basics whilst singing in a Cathedral Choir 1994, Toby’s knowledge and love of music has expanded ever since. He has been involved in several contrasting ventures including numerous Musicals, a Piano Jazz/Pop duo, and Indie-Rock band Days Like Stars. But his latest venture brings him back to what enticed him into music in the first place (apart from his musical family) - Harmony. Toby’s ambient and polyphonic pieces of work are mostly instrumental by choice because he feels his notes and chords say more than lyrics. “When I write I use harmonies and chord structures to translate how i’m feeling. I put it down to my choral roots. Although most choral music is based on words i feel that the soaring melodies and tight chords and inversions are what gives you the spine-tingle.

Another medium that relies on notes and chords to take the forefront is music for film, one of Toby’s aspirations. Aside from having his tunes played on Radio, he hopes unearthed is a springboard to be able to write for film and television full-time.

On the stage however, Toby’s music takes a whole different form. With the help of captivating vocalist Sam McNeill from Sydney band Saving Grace, Toby’s Ambient tunes come to life in a loud, live, and epic show with electronic beats, live synths, and a live drum kit all played by Toby.

If you liked this song or any of Shain’s other pieces half as much as I liked this one then leave some feedback on his Triple J Unearthed  or MySpace page.

This post has been submitted to music.unrealitytv.co.uk.

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