An exploration of self-awareness, human connection, and the tension between isolation and belonging, Summoning is an album of the year contender by Shayfer James.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Amanda Valentine

Summoning hits hard right from the off through opening Imagine That. A dramatic intro gives way to a wonderfully groovy verse. The lyrics are rich with poetry which stir the mind as much as they do the heart.

Across the album’s ten track, the liveliness and catchiness of pop is combined with the uniqueness of alternative, creating a potent cocktail. Shayfer makes some strong points with his lyrics, particularly in moments like One Foot In the Grave and Hell of a Dream which tackle the stubbornness of old age and the societal pollution of social media respectively.

Make a Wish is a vibrant highlight, bouncing along while playfully telling a macabre story of delusions of grandeur. As is Lighthouse Keeper, a jaunty mid-album effort that is full of imagination and folksiness.

The album ends ecclesiastically with the bittersweet Winter Hymn, a closer that’s almost Patrick Wolf-esque.

Shayfer James is a New York-based singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist who isn’t afraid to go his own way with his music. Summoning is a triumph. It blends genre with ease all while giving us plenty to chew on mentally with its lyrics. Each track has been meticulously crafted. It’s no exaggeration to call it and album of the year contender.

Summoning is set for release 13 June 2025.