October 2007

Musician Magazine UK

Shamus Dark

Songs For Suicidal Lovers

Shamus has an intriguing website that reveals a fascinating biography for our hero with references to his life as a virtual recluse, living in a run-down hotel in Malaysia with the mysterious Laura and performing Jazz standards. His story also includes encounters with American intelligence and the IRA, mind-altering drugs administered by the Romanian secret police, punk rock, life in a World War II air raid shelter and other incredible incidents. It is with prickly anticipation then that we approach the album that begins with a predictably atmospheric slow-paced burner, Angel Eyes, with its cool lead guitar and understated vocal. This is quickly followed by a series of laid-back, jazz -inflected songs, of which The Party's Over is a stand out with its Massive Attack-style string touches. Want to escape the humdrum of everyday life? Check out Shamus, he's definitely worth investigating.