Deadlights is the brainchild of Jeff Shelton, whose more
prolific outfit The Well Wishers was/is responsible for a steady volley of
crunch-laden power pop albums with nary a bum tune in earshot. Deadlights, on
the other hand, occupy a more insular space wherein Shelton indulges his jones
for more austere Anglophile-informed rock, loosely resembling the likes of
Catherine Wheel and the Chameleons; just don't expect anything derivative. The
second full-length release mines deeper into the depths of dreampop, shoegaze
and melodically-driven post punk. Catchy pop song structures remain at the
forefront of the album's 10 original tracks, with a layered, swirling backdrop
of echoing guitars, and lush vocal harmonies that conjure a balanced mix of
bands like Ride, Swervedriver, The Church, with a Stone Roses guitar roar.
Right from the get go Shelton doesn’t mess around, opening cut “Because” is a nice opener but it leads to the flat out terrific “Paralyzed” and then the interestingly titled “Out of Step With the Modern World” kicks it home. Elsewhere “Just Let It Go” has a driving beat and a killer hook while having Gretchen’s Wheel vocalist Lindsey Murray adds harmony vocals to the dreamy “Blankets” was a righteous choice while Bay Area musician Bill Taylor added some guitar on a few tracks as well, otherwise it’s all Shelton. For the album’s sole cover, Shelton digs deep into the Pink Floyd catalogue for a surprise rendition of Pink Floyd's Meddle-era deep cut, "Fearless." In his hands the song fits into the shoegaze aesthetic in a way one might not have anticipated. The overarching construct of the song is left intact, but is gracefully filtered through Deadlights modus operandi, blending in seamlessly with this record's ten originals and then kicks us all out into the cool, crisp night.
Right from the get go Shelton doesn’t mess around, opening cut “Because” is a nice opener but it leads to the flat out terrific “Paralyzed” and then the interestingly titled “Out of Step With the Modern World” kicks it home. Elsewhere “Just Let It Go” has a driving beat and a killer hook while having Gretchen’s Wheel vocalist Lindsey Murray adds harmony vocals to the dreamy “Blankets” was a righteous choice while Bay Area musician Bill Taylor added some guitar on a few tracks as well, otherwise it’s all Shelton. For the album’s sole cover, Shelton digs deep into the Pink Floyd catalogue for a surprise rendition of Pink Floyd's Meddle-era deep cut, "Fearless." In his hands the song fits into the shoegaze aesthetic in a way one might not have anticipated. The overarching construct of the song is left intact, but is gracefully filtered through Deadlights modus operandi, blending in seamlessly with this record's ten originals and then kicks us all out into the cool, crisp night.
Eleven Step Intervention by Deadlights is a masterclass in modern, self-produced indie pop that seamlessly fuses alternative sensibilities with rich sonic textures. Spearheaded entirely by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Shelton, the album stands as a vibrant testament to the power of solo studio craft. Across its 11 tracks, Shelton constructs a cohesive wall of sound characterized by jangly, echoing guitars, lush vocal harmonies, and an underlying wave of rhythmic energy. The project effectively distances itself from predictable tropes by pairing nostalgic undercurrents with pristine, sharp production, ensuring each track feels simultaneously expansive and intimately crafted.
Listeners familiar with Shelton’s work in power-pop outfits will immediately notice a more panoramic and atmospheric direction on this record. While maintaining a steady foundation of accessible hooks and classic song structures, the music ventures gracefully into the realm of dream pop and post-punk. Tracks like "Because" and "Out of Step with the Modern World" showcase a brilliant balance between propulsive rhythms and ethereal soundscapes, striking a bittersweet balance that feels both melancholic and uplifting. It is an exploration of sonic depth that leans heavily on hypnotic, swirling guitar patterns to create a warm, enveloping listening experience.
Ultimately, the true strength of the record lies in its exceptional sequencing and consistent melodic payoff from start to finish. Rather than relying on a few standout singles, the record functions as a complete, unified journey where the easy-going melodies and sing-along lyrics naturally evolve over its 43-minute runtime. It is a bright, refreshing collection of guitar-driven indie music that honors the textures of '80s and '90s underground rock while remaining firmly anchored in the modern world. For anyone seeking a guitar pop album that prioritizes emotional resonance and meticulous arrangement, this release is an essential and rewarding listen.
Ripped to MP3
1. Because (4:45)
2. Paralyzed (3:28)
3. Out of Step with the Modern World (3:34)
4. Dead Again (5:04)
5. The Great Unknown (3:26)
6. Easy Goes (3:26)
7. Just Let It Go (3:55)
8. Your Own Thing (3:21)
9. Blankets (4:03)
10. Way Down (3:26)
11. Fearless (5:02)
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