Shutter is an electrifying grunge rock band hailing from New Jersey, and they’ve just unveiled their latest EP titled “Above Us All”. Throughout the summer, they built immense anticipation for this release with a series of compelling singles, including “Erase Me” and “What I Think I Follow”. Interestingly, my first encounter with Shutter was not through these tracks, but rather when they submitted “Silver Savior,” another standout song featured on this exceptional EP.
“Blistering lead-off single “What I Think I Follow” encapsulated this new perspective with Correa describing the song as capturing the realization that “I’d lived my whole life thinking it was all about me… but I’m just a grain of sand in the world.”
Drawing heavily from the rich tapestry of ’90s music, Shutter masterfully intertwines elements of alternative rock, shoegaze, and the classic grunge sound, all enveloped in an emotive, introspective vibe reminiscent of the emo genre. The EP consists of five tracks, each with its distinct personality, yet collectively forming a powerful and cohesive collection. Below is a quote from Jean Drive’s press release that captures the essence of their sound perfectly:
“Jean Drive” is a nostalgic anthem that captures the essence of youthful rebellion and the bittersweet moments of growing up. With its driving rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, the song explores themes of freedom, friendship, and the fleeting nature of those perfect summer nights. Shutter’s signature blend of emo and post-hardcore shines through, creating a sound that’s both energetic and reflective, inviting listeners to reminisce about their own unforgettable experience.”
Additionally here is a quote from the press release for the single “Erase Me”:
“Bassist/vocalist Dawid Warchol explains more saying, “As much as you want to give up and are discouraged you gotta sing your songs of hope till the end, almost like the concept of a ‘swan song’; the belief that, before they die, swans sing the most beautiful song of their lives.”
The track is accompanied by a moody visual that features rain-soaked performance shots cut between unsettling scenes that outline an inevitable demise. While it appears that our protagonist meets his end via a mysterious cloaked figure, vocalist/guitarist Jonni Correa explains “in reality it is their own flaws and demons in physical form.” He continues, “this ending is an erasure, in one sense. But, it also represents an almost baptismal cleansing. Through this act he is reborn; free of his demons and recognizing that holding on and pushing forth can be the only way to redemption.“
“Erase Me” was the first song written for Above Us All and, with dueling vocals from both Correa and Warchol, serves as a striking introduction for new listeners. Putting both the dynamic range of the band on show, as well as the emotional weight that the album was created under.“
One more quote about the EP from the press release that got me interested:
“Above Us All will deliver a five-song collection that harnesses crunching grooves and soaring vocals as it travels through tales from mental health lows, to building self-reliance, to questioning the lessons of childhood, and making peace with your place in the universe.
This new era came in the wake of the four-piece separately, and collectively, starting to feel that things were falling apart around them. The toll was mounting as they watched family members broken by the passing of loved ones, and experienced the tragic loss of friends to drugs. Faith, in all its forms, was taking a beating.”
The EP stands as a powerful testament to the band’s evolution over the years, showcasing significant growth not only in their musical arrangements but also in their lyrical depth. I’ve been thoroughly engrossed in an in-depth analysis of the various tracks featured in this album, which has enriched my appreciation for its artistry. For the past three days, I’ve been listening to the EP on repeat, seeking to fully immerse myself in the emotion and energy that these new songs radiate. This exploration aligns perfectly with my goal of delving into more emo-adjacent genres this year, and this band serves as an exemplary model of what I’m hoping to discover: a perfect blend of emotive, introspective, energetic, and powerful music. Each track elicits a visceral response, ensuring that whatever feelings arise during listening are monumental.
There are truly no weak points within this EP; every single song exemplifies the remarkable talent this band is showcasing. The entire collection culminates with my favorite track, “Silver Savior,” which resonates deeply and serves as a poignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope for a brighter path forward still exists. This EP has quickly become one of my favorites, and I can confidently say I will return to it frequently, as I am thoroughly captivated by its sound and the resonant messages it conveys.
If you can spare a few moments, I highly recommend turning this up loud and allowing yourself to be enveloped by the immense emotional energy that it offers. Additionally, I’ve reached out to the band with three questions to further explore their creative process and insights.
What inspired you to start making music and what keeps you making music?
A lot of us have been playing music for most of our lives but what got us to writing was the creative outlet; the release of it all. No matter what life throws at you or has in store you can pick up that guitar, or scream out words on a page, beat the crap outta your drums, it can all escape you, for at least that moment, and that freedom is what keeps us making music.
What was the most challenging thing in your music (artistic) path?
The most challenging thing at least for us is collaboration, we all have differing tastes and ideas for direction of a song sometimes and finding a path we can all agree on and that can be difficult at times.
What would you dream to do if anything was possible?
For us, the ultimate like dream come true would probably be to play like in a stadium to an absolutely massive crowd. Something like Madison Square Garden in New York City or MetLife Stadium would be super cool. On a more attainable level to tour with some of our favorite bands like Citizen or Basement would be really cool.
Written by Filip Zemcik
