Serving as a spiritual continuation of the now-defunct Sprain, Shearling exhibits the reunion of a now decade-old collaborative force between guitarists Alexander Kent and Sylvie Simmons. A subsequent recruiting of percussionist Andrew Chanover, bassist Wesley Nelson, and keyboardist Elizabeth Carver filled out their orchestrally-minded roster. Shearling’s aggressive live performances and meticulous recordings demonstrate an ambition, audacity, and emotional vulnerability that few contemporary bands can parallel.
Back in 2023 when Sprain released their sophomore album ‘The Lamb as Effigy’, there was a huge anticipation for how the band would follow it up next. Over its sprawling 90+ minute runtime, the band offers an intense blast of experimental and boundary pushing noise rock, delving into dark themes alongside ambitious structures. Shortly after the release, the band suddenly announced its split to the shock of fans and critics alike. This left a huge wonder in the air for what the band and its members would go on to do following such a big record.
Not too long after we heard first word of ‘Shearling’ a new group formed with frontman Alex Kent and guitarist Sylvie Simmons and eventually the announcement of their debut album ‘Motherfucker, I Am Both: “Amen” and “Hallelujah”…’ Running over an hour in length with a singular title track, the record goes even deeper into the darker themes they have explored before. It’s a crushing listen with explosive noise and intense performances from everyone involved.