Shane Rennison is an American singer songwriter who first hit my radar at the start of this year thanks to his EP Nice To Meet You. Now that the year’s coming to a close, it feels only right that he should feature again. He’s just release another EP, a collection of three tracks performed live, it’s called Live at the Outlier Inn.

By Graeme Smith

The Outlier Inn is a music studio is Mountaindale, New York and it’s the place where Shane and his band gathered to give us a different side to his sound. Casting aside his solo project for a moment, Shane handed some duties over to other band members giving us a taste of his pop-rock leanings.

In this live collection, we are treated to reworkings of two track from Nice To Meet You – Ghost and Drunk – as well as his 2022 single Closer. The latter opens this EP. It’s an upbeat start, with cantering percussion, rich bass and looping guitar melodies. The full band certainly makes Shane’s music feel fuller, but what’s not lost is the expression and emotion of his vocals, nor the captivating storytelling of his lyrics.

On Nice To Meet You, Ghost struck me with its unconventional instrumental arrangement and that’s maintained in full band format. Its story stays emotionally gripping too, telling a relatable tale of self-doubt and anger created by a broken heart. A lingering guitar solo provides a highlight.

Drunk rounds off the short EP with a fresh take on Shane’s lively rock track. In this live version, the lively rockiness is kicked up to eleven and there’s a beautifully expressive performance that comes through on the recording. It’s certainly one of Shane’s catchiest tracks and you’ll find yourself humming the chorus for the rest of the day for sure.

Live at the Outlier Inn proves a timely reminder of Shane Rennison’s skill and talent. Used to performing solo, for him it was a personal challenge playing with a band. I have to say he’s passed with flying colours. You can listen to the EP below.