Shane Rennison stuns with his debut album Irrational.

By Graeme Smith

A New York, USA-based singer songwriter, Shane’s music draws comparisons with the likes of Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit and Harry Styles. He’s been featuring on this blog since late last year and we’ve already shared two of his EPs and a string of singles.

Irrational is his debut album and opens in lively and emotional style with previously released single All the Scars. Shane’s storytelling style is immediately apparent in his lyrics. They draw you in, sung charismatically and backed by a pop instrumental that combines elements of Americana and electronica.

The album moves nicely into Draggin’. The transition between tracks is something that works exceptionally well on this album. It’s something Shane has clearly focussed on. Draggin’ swaggers along with a retro sultriness and plenty of soul. Its chorus proves to be an early, urgent highlight.

Other highlights include the soft and soul-searching break-up track I Think It’s You, punchy and funky title track Irrational, the pensive and sultry Hey Hey Hey, the folksy and life-affirming Somewhere In Albany, the driving and slow-building Long Road, and intimate, piano-led album closer Where I’m At.

I’ve made no secret of my love for Shane’s music and it’s so nice to hear a full-length collection of it for the first time. The effort that he and his team have gone to to make sure that each track complements each other makes it stand out from the pack. Shane is a pop artist like no other.

Irrational was produced by Julian Giaimo. It’s out now and you can check it out below.