REVIEW: Ryan Shelkett – Someone Becomes No One

 

30 years ago, Ryan Shelkett emerged from the Baltimore underground with his influential emo/indie rock bands Cross My Heart and Liars Academy.  Now, Shelkett is releasing his debut solo album, the self-depreciatingly titled, Someone Becomes No One, out now on Steadfast Records (whose recent Cross My Heart reissues sold out instantly).  Produced by the legendary J. Robbins, who also performs, the album sees Shelkett shifting his style towards darker Americana and melancholic folk while retaining his rocking sense of melody and emotional weight.

The 10-song album is led by the singles, “Corroded” with its gloomy, 90’s alt-rock vibe and “Damage” which rocks like a distant Southern Rock-loving cousin to the Cross My Heart discography.  Other standouts include the statement-making sway of the aching opening track, “There Is No One” from which the album gets its title; and the gorgeous, organ-drenched “Strange Behavior”.      

The album is available from Steadfast Records on vinyl on three colorways (purple rain, hellfire red and neon green) as well as digitally, CD, and on limited edition cassette.      

For more info: https://www.steadfastrecords.net/Team/Ryan-Shelkett

Stream Someone Becomes No One here: