Their Magnum Opus: SHADE – ‘Supercars’ Review

Words: Ruby Corrigan

Manchester’s finest indie rock band SHADE have released their latest single ‘Supercars’ today, and I can assure you it is their magnum opus. If you have been following us for a while then you’ll know that their previous release ‘Break Out’ was a big hit at Rockstars HQ yet, after listening to this tune, ‘Supercars’ is now my firm favourite for the band. 

Growing as musicians in what some would call the music capital of the UK, it is unarguable that SHADE have always had a lot to live up to – alas, the band tirelessly proves that they deserve superstars status, and ‘Supercars’ might just be the song to achieve that for them. 

Tinged with elements inspired by other iconic Manchester bands such as Oasis and Joy Division, ‘Supercars’ can only be described as a power ballad. The tune opens very starkly with frontman Luke Owens’ distinctive vocals and a very gentle musical backing, as if he was on his own with his thoughts, reflecting on his past and what has led him here to be singing this song. This gentle atmosphere of reminiscence is continued as the song carries on, with beautiful elements of acoustic guitars, softened drum rhythms and gorgeously layered vocal harmonies, all of which contribute to making this song a perfect rock ballad. 

‘Supercars’ is probably the best lyricism I have ever seen come from SHADE, and I don’t say that lightly. As mentioned earlier, the band released ‘Break Out’ earlier this year, which was an intensely high energy rock song that depicted perfectly what it is like to feel angry at the world. Well if songs were people, then ‘Supercars’ would be ‘Breakouts’ softer, gentler younger brother. With this song, the band have taken a far more introspective approach with their lyrics. ‘Supercars’ looks back on what it feels like to have things pass you by: dreams, opportunities, loved ones, all flying past you ‘like supercars’, as well as reiterating the importance of slowing down, appreciating how far you’ve come and who/what you have around you in the present. 

In other news, SHADE are set to play their biggest gig yet next March, at Manchester’s iconic venue ‘Gorilla’. And, I’d snap up ticekts as soon as you can, as I am sure that once ‘Supercars’ come out, the event is sure to sell out.

To sum everything up ‘Supercars’ is an incredibly beautiful song that exposes the often unseen, more sensitive side of the band, and I am sure it is going to be one of the key players that helps SHADE soar.