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HELEN SHANAHAN
‘Canvas’
Album Review

(2nd March 2022)

Review with Paul Kapeleris

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Award-winning Perth singer/songwriter Helen Shanahan has an enchanting story to tell. Her third studio album “Canvas” is scheduled to release on 4 March, and lovers of folk or country would be remiss to leave these songs unheard. The record tenderly explores heartbreak, loss, and regret with a practised hand hardened through a lifetime of experience. Drawing inspiration from Kacey Musgraves and Missy Higgins, Shanahan shares their ability to write from the heart, putting together the perfect progressions to beautifully convey her deeply personal lyrics. Her previous singles “Deer in Headlights’ and “Canvas” showcase the highs and lows of the project, which includes both driving choruses and contemplative reflections set to soft acoustic guitar lines. “Canvas” was recorded in Perth with Jon Clements, and produced remotely by Brad Jones in Nashville.

The record opens with a bang. Or that is to say, a banger. “Deer In Headlights” hits hard with a super catchy chorus melody and powerful chords to hold everything together. The instrumentation gradually builds throughout each section, transitioning from a soft and gentle intro to full-blown pop-folk bliss. Helen’s songwriting skills are on full display here, seamlessly weaving in sophisticated progressions which perfectly compliment the melody. But with all of this musical bravado comes a lyric about Shanahan’s aversion to the spotlight and its demand for constant action. “I try to leave no trail behind, but I’m so easy to find”. If you haven’t found Helen Shanahan’s work yet, I strongly recommend you treat yourself to this unforgettable artist.

“Subtlety In The Silence” places emphasis on the little things, on enjoying our lives for what they are. There are so many quiet background layers that can be easily missed, but keeping an ear out for them will reward you with a cherubic bed of sound that is sure to lighten your mood. This song is a lullaby for your migraine, for the stress you deal with every day. It all takes a back seat when Helen’s warm delivery and heartfelt lyrics wash over any mental cuts and bruises. The percussion is a real stand-out on the track, lots of little sounds coming together to create a gorgeous rhythmic flow. “Focus on what you have instead of what you lose”. This song has something ethereal about it, and you’ll have to listen for yourself to figure out exactly what I mean.

Sometimes you’re the bad guy. We don’t always do what’s right, and the only way forward is to seek forgiveness and move on. “Under The Maple Tree” is a desperate plea for reconciliation after you’ve wronged somebody. A single acoustic guitar picks out country-influenced chords underneath Shanahan’s vulnerable vocals, and together they create a patchwork of burning guilt and twisted memories. This song tells an emotive story of pain, loss, and regret. But despite the familiar qualities of country music present in this track, “Under The Maple Tree” manages to transcend its mother genre and evolve into something unique to Shanahan’s artistry. “I hope that maple tree’s not dead, I hope that tree is still there”. This is one of my favourite songs on the album, and I implore you to experience it for yourself.

If you have ever found yourself trapped in an uncomfortable social situation, Helen Shanahan has the perfect song for you. “No” is loud, energetic, and filled with a heart-pounding passionate anger. You will be bowled over by the take-no-prisoners beat, and Shanahan’s soul-wrenching vocals will grab your attention and keep it. The track is reminiscent of Missy Higgins’ more upbeat hits like “Steer”, but the minor cadences give it an uncharacteristic sense of foreboding that will make you stop and really consider the lyrics. Though “No” doesn’t build as well as the album’s previous tracks, and the melody could use some refinement, the musical direction is unique and executed well. It is definitely worth a listen for the high-energy instrumentation alone.

“Bad Habit” lives up to its name, because you’ll be listening to it instead of doing literally anything else. With a hauntingly beautiful verse and soaring chorus, this track is one of the record’s biggest selling points. The harmonies are smooth and addictive, and the bass absolutely shines with stunning melodies and riffs. The effective utilisation of this usually forgotten instrument is one of the most refreshing things about “Canvas”. The melody interacts beautifully with Helen’s elegant progressions, a genius way of highlighting the track’s themes through the music. Helen reaches new highs in the chorus, showing off a flawless upper register and powerful sustained notes. “Bad Habit” will speak to those who have been in a relationship with someone despite themselves. Everything in this song is purposeful and magnificent. A big thumbs-up from me!

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“Canvas” is Helen Shanahan’s latest single, and it paints a heartbreaking picture of pain. “Oh, how I learned to be used”. The song’s lyrics can either be taken at face value to be about a toxic relationship rife with manipulation, or a metaphorical interpretation of life as a whole. We are a collection of our own experiences, for better or worse, and are left with the tones and hues that have clung to us over time. “Canvas” mainly consists of an acoustic guitar picking away at a steady accompaniment, and multiple string parts flavouring the track with little melodic moments to support Shanahan’s sublime delivery. This song definitely errs on the folk side of her dynamic artistic style, and some aspects may be inaccessible to some audiences. However, the story and lyrics are beautiful and it is a genuine pleasure to just let Helen’s emotive vocals wash over you.

Tell it to me straight! That’s all Helen Shanahan wants in “Figured You Out”, where the subject of her ire is constantly leaving her with more questions than answers. There is an ever-present dark and brooding tone with unpredictable progressions and harmonies that perfectly match the frustrated lyrics. The track is intricate with many moving parts, and it’ll take a while to catch every meticulously-composed layer. There is a great story with this one too, about the narrator finally discovering the truth behind this elusive and enigmatic person. If you want to know what that is, then you’ll just have to listen for yourself.

“Chemical Help” has a definite pop edge that helps it stand out on the record as one of Shanahan’s best. From double-tracked vocals to a general sound reminiscent of Chris Stapleton’s “Parachute”, this track is just awesome. You won’t be hitting pause thanks to a strong chorus melody and nice electric guitar riffs in the transitional sections. The progressions are great, especially in the final line of the chorus, and the bass is back with some killer moments. “I wanna live without that tiny voice that fills up my mind with so much noise”. With all of the stress and pain of every day, we have to live in the moment and find ways to enjoy ourselves despite the voice in our heads telling us otherwise. Treat your ears to this absolute banger, or be forever unenlightened.

The penultimate track brings one of the album’s most gorgeous instrumentals. “Cement” is filled with beautiful melodies and a smooth bed of sound to soothe the most frayed nerves. After a break-up comes the inevitable yearning to mend bridges that are better left burned. “I’m not driving you home anymore”. This one line says so much about the relationship and how unhealthy it was for all those involved. The building toxicity corroded whatever salvageable connection remained, leaving nothing but a bitter taste and bruises that time can never heal. As “Canvas” draws to a close, the curtains part one final time to reveal something entirely raw and emotional, a story that needs to be told.

“Canvas” ends with a boisterous celebration of positivity and feeling good. “Better Times” is awash with natural imagery and an infectious light-hearted spirit. On an album so deeply entrenched in life’s lowest moments, this song allows us all to break away from darkness and regret to take a breath and enjoy the things we love. Through all the pain and loss, we have to look forward to the future and the joy it can hold. There will always be an end to whatever you’re going through. Whether we are flying or falling flat on our faces, the duality of human experience gives us balance and a reason to seek out our next success.

It is refreshing to discover how truly unique Helen Shanahan’s voice is. Her soft, quick vibrato, warm tone, and unique singing accent set her apart as an uncut diamond. There are so many reasons to love this Aussie artist, and “Canvas” is a perfect summation of every single one. This home-grown talent has had a fabulous career so far, performing at the Forum Theatre, Tamworth Country Music Festival, and the Americana Festival in Nashville just to name a few. I can’t wait to see what her future holds, and “Canvas” is definitely a big step up. Check it out to hear why Helen Shanahan should be on everybody’s playlist.

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Follow HELEN SHANAHAN
Facebook – Instagram – Spotify – YouTube

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Press Release 4th February 2021 (below) HERE

HELEN SHANAHAN
shares new single + video
‘CANVAS’

New album
‘CANVAS’
out March 4

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AMNPLIFY – DB