One of our favourite artists, Shane Rennison, releases the second in a series of live recorded EPs, Live at the Outlier Inn 2.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Brandon Worden

The EP is the second part in a series that began last year. We shared the original Live at the Outlier Inn and have taken every opportunity to share more of Shane’s work besides. His latest live collection features songs from his debut album Irrational.

The live sessions are as much about the chemistry between the musicians as they are about the music, and for Live At the Outlier Inn 2, Shane co-opted the talents of Eamon Lebow on guitar, Janna Pelle on piano, Joe Giaimo on bass, Jacob Schaub on drums, and Julian Giaimo on guitar, piano and vocals.

The session was recorded by Brandon Worden giving us an insight into how the sound was made.

First up is Irrational‘s title track and we get an instant sense of this chemistry. The lively, emotional pop number is brought to vivid life through the live rendition. Shane’s vocals simply shine.

The EP also gives us live versions of I Think It’s You, Losin’ You and Hey Hey Hey. The former slows things down, bringing in elements of reggae during its wistful story of love lost. Losin’ You is a cantering, folksy number led by acoustic guitar before Hey Hey Hey closes things with a rich and soulful moment that brings with it a final sense of catharsis.

There’s a certain magic to Shane Rennison’s sound, and it becomes ever more evident with these live sessions. He truly brings together the best of pop, rock and folk with his records, and is astute in how he packages them up. His new EP is another triumph.

Live at the Outlier Inn 2 is out now and you can give it a listen below.