Shangrala
http://www.myspace.com/shangrala
http://www.virb.com/shangrala
There is no other band like Shangrala. With songs that are rich with singable hooks, without becoming hokey chorus-driven ditties, layered with complex levels of melodies to create an enormous, almost symphonic sound, Shangrala transports you from the smoky club where you're watching them to some ethereal plane that is exciting. They rock hard when they decide to break out the catharsis of the song, but during the rest you can choose whether you want to let the gentle notes and Jude's airy voice whisper you into a dreamlike trance, or pay closer attention and realize that the song you are listening to has keyboards, layers and layers of guitar, a cacophony of vocals, and…is that a violin? But the complexity isn't distracting. Sometimes it isn't even obvious. They so seamlessly fold them together that it ultimately creates one melody.
If you are into hardcore punk rock, Shangrala might not be a perfect fit for you, but if you enjoy really well thought out music that you can sink your teeth into, Shangrala is Jacksonville's little secret. Well, not little. At last count there were five members, but rumor has it that they just added a sixth. It isn't uncommon to see Jared Bowser, formerly of Bernard, appear on stage with Shangrala, and he was recently added to the lineup to provide extra instrumentation ranging from guitar to drums.
Jude Kahle is the singer and he also plays rhythm guitar. Brian Jerin plays guitar and provides backup vocals. Walt Hill plays keyboards, drums, and an assortment of digital devices. Will Hill plays bass (and refreshes his Myspace page between songs), and Mike Von Balson on drums.
by jon bosworth, EUmagazine
http://www.myspace.com/shangrala
http://www.virb.com/shangrala
There is no other band like Shangrala. With songs that are rich with singable hooks, without becoming hokey chorus-driven ditties, layered with complex levels of melodies to create an enormous, almost symphonic sound, Shangrala transports you from the smoky club where you're watching them to some ethereal plane that is exciting. They rock hard when they decide to break out the catharsis of the song, but during the rest you can choose whether you want to let the gentle notes and Jude's airy voice whisper you into a dreamlike trance, or pay closer attention and realize that the song you are listening to has keyboards, layers and layers of guitar, a cacophony of vocals, and…is that a violin? But the complexity isn't distracting. Sometimes it isn't even obvious. They so seamlessly fold them together that it ultimately creates one melody.
If you are into hardcore punk rock, Shangrala might not be a perfect fit for you, but if you enjoy really well thought out music that you can sink your teeth into, Shangrala is Jacksonville's little secret. Well, not little. At last count there were five members, but rumor has it that they just added a sixth. It isn't uncommon to see Jared Bowser, formerly of Bernard, appear on stage with Shangrala, and he was recently added to the lineup to provide extra instrumentation ranging from guitar to drums.
Jude Kahle is the singer and he also plays rhythm guitar. Brian Jerin plays guitar and provides backup vocals. Walt Hill plays keyboards, drums, and an assortment of digital devices. Will Hill plays bass (and refreshes his Myspace page between songs), and Mike Von Balson on drums.
by jon bosworth, EUmagazine