MY DEMONS is the debut EP from GLU – the new solo project of Michael Shuman. After spending years being part of the likes of Mini Mansions and Queens of the Stone Age, Mikey’s stepping out of the shadows. With an embrace of the old and a keen eye for the new, his first foray as GLU delivers on all fronts.
The EP kicks off with the title track. Launching a groove that’s steeped in groove, and our minds. Mikey’s carefree admission of being “tight with his demons” casts a shadow over the playful basslines and piano keys. Bringing an edge to its easy-flowing instrumental. With the addition of Phantogram’s contributing vocals too, it adds a real creepiness to the track that makes it a great listen.
‘COLD SWEAT’ follows with a delightfully sultry sound. Muted synths echo into the background against rigid percussion and Mikey’s harmonics, which draw out into the corners too. The muted melodies against his breathy chorus makes for some sensual listening, and certainly one of the highlights of the EP.
As mentioned in our interview with Mikey, there’s a playful spookiness to the sounds we’ve heard on Mini Mansions that exists on GLU. ‘NIGHT SHIFT’ seems to dance around its relationship with vices with upbeat keys and a chorus that swells and blooms. With references to existential crisis heard throughout, it cuts a pretty strong contrast against the sedative-esque instrumental.
It’s here where the vocal deliveries shine most. The fast-paced, Hip-Hop like vocals add an urgency to the songs, adding an unhinged quality to them that sits deep within the lyrics. It makes MY DEMONS exciting and unpredictable.
While it might be different to the norm, MY DEMONS is an EP that deserves to be heard. It plays around with new formulas to add something different to an otherwise tried and tested sound. Adding tempo and variation to the vocals brings another edge to Mikey’s discography that already boasts some incredible material, so it’s good to see it extends into his solo ventures too.