You can tell that Shun isn’t your average, ordinary, everyday band the moment that you put their latest seven-track EP "Michael in Reign" into your CD player and press play. The melodic music that begins to flow out of your speakers sets this Nashville-based band apart from all others. Drawing comparisons to such well-known acts as Tool and A Perfect Circle (although it’s very hard to put Shun into any musical genre), this quintet from Music City has their sights set on global domination. Vocalist Billy White fronts one of the most creative and talented line-ups around with his haunting voice and soulful melodies. Guitarists Cris Hawkins and David Crutcher’s masterful playing and writing abilities sets the tone for the band’s unique brand of music from the first track "Glass to Sand" to the final track "Hopesend". Bassist Richie Glover’s understated bass lines provide the perfect balance to Hawkins, Crutcher and drummer Jac Glenn throughout the EP. Glenn, who is without a doubt one of the best drummers (if not the best) to come out of the state of Tennessee since Nashville was declared Music City, shows why he is among the upper echelon at his instrument through his brilliant playing. "Michael in Reign" ranks easily in the top three albums ever put out by a local band in this part of the United States. The chemistry that the band shows on every track is amazing, and Billy’s voice is the type that grabs you by the balls and forces you to pay attention to every word he utters. The album is so damn good that I can’t pick a favorite track. Shun is the type of band that comes around once in a blue moon to create and record some of the most beautiful and haunting music ever attempted by mere mortals. I highly recommend catching one of their shows and buying this album while you still can; bands this good get signed and become millionaires faster than you can blink an eye.
