Words By: Julia Gross

Taking the floor in May of 2021, releasing his solo debut album is the very talented New Orleans native, David Shaw. The singer/songwriter, producer and front man of American Alternative Rock Band, The Revivalists decided that 2021 would be the year to release his solo work. The work on this album is a compilation of music pieces that David saved and worked on throughout the past couple years, and with the help of the pandemic, Shaw had a burst of inspiration and motivation to turn the tracks into an album of gold. Recorded right in his hometown of New Orleans at The Parlor Recording Studio, the album features four other highly talented musicians who helped breathe this work to life. On vocals and guitar is Neal Francis, drums is PJ Howard, bass is Mike Starr, and last but not least on guitar is Chris Gelbuda.

Shaw opens up the album with a very groovy jam titled, “Promised Land.” In the song, the slide guitar can be heard as well as a steady and rhythmic snapping sound on the drum. “Yeah the day that we die, they drink from our cup/Sell us a lie, we buy it up/ I’m just a fool, who understands/We ain’t living in no promise land,” is heard in the chorus of the song addressing systematic injustice and the inequality issues that have been so relevant in the world.

“Shaken” follows and can arguably be labeled as the track that started it all — as it was the first track written for the album. A fun yet powerful song, “Shaken” tackles facing fears and insecurities with your head held high. In September of 2020, David released the music video for the track featuring scenes of his childhood-self having to withstand the pains of dealing with bullies. The video concludes with his childhood-self turns into his current self as he looks in the mirror — a brilliant portrayal of staying strong while in the face of life altering moments. 

“Heavy Soul” comes in almost more powerful than the last. The tone sets the stage for this inspirational moment on the record. Bases on the premise of standing up for what you believe in no matter what and not letting anyone change you, David sings, “And I ain’t going down without a fight/And we ain’t going out, We burnin’ bright.”  

While the overall theme of the record being intense self reflection and maintaining your moral, “I’ll Be You Man” comes as a lighthearted welcome. Marking its spot as the ‘feel good track’ on the record, its sound can only be compared to something you’d expect from a 70’s romantic movie filmed down south during the heat of summer. David coos, “I’ll be your man, your rock, your solid ground/I’ll hold your hand when the world comes crashing down/Together we’ll be wild and free.”

Opening up with a rich and gritty guitar riff, “Bad Side Of You,” takes on a whole new edgy rocker vibe. The track holds its own as the most risky rock n’ roll single off the album.“I can’t lie, I gotta tell the truth/ I only only only like the bad side of you” — a perfect classic rock moment that can only be fully appreciated live. Lined with high energy, an infectious drum line and even a brilliant guitar solo, “Bad Side Of You” will be a fan favorite track for years to come.

David ends the album on a peaceful, easy flowing note with, “The Place” — a beautiful folk track featuring classic banjo and acoustic picking. “It don’t matter where you start cuz where you go that’s where you are/Wonder till you wind up lost/And let your compass be your heart/When home don’t feel like home/And you’re out there on your own/Just remember there’s a place where you can go.” David embodies the importance of letting your heart be your ultimate guide in showing you where you’re truly meant to be.

After experiencing this Self Titled debut solo endeavor, it becomes overwhelmingly clear that David’s words come straight from the heart with each song written with true purpose. This record proves that David’s solo career is not just a ‘moment’ — this will be something fans carry with them as he continues to release more music.

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