Shop Front Heroes, the dynamic five-piece rock band hailing from the heart of Mid-Wales, have unveiled their latest offering, ‘Caer Bryn’, on the 13th of October 2023. The single comes off their highly-anticipated debut album, SuperPowers. Comprised of talented members Stevie Yeomans (Lead Vocals, Guitar, and Piano), Jake Owen (Lead Guitar/Vox), Matt Whitehouse (Drums), Tom Jaques (Guitar/Vox), and the recent addition of Alex Middleton (Bass). Known for crafting meticulously-arranged songs that defy genre categorization, Shop Front Heroes blend elements of rock, pop, and alternative, creating a sound that is both powerful and unforgettable. Recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios, ‘SuperPowers’ was mixed by Stew Jackson (known for his work with Massive Attack, Nick Cave, and Emily Breeze) and mastered by Sean Magee (credited for his work with The Beatles, Queen, Rush, and Radiohead) at Abbey Road Studios.
‘Caer Bryn’ is a poignant and personal reflection by lead singer and songwriter Stevie Yeomans. The song takes its name from a smallholding his family owned in Mid-Wales in the 1980s. With vocals brimming with raw emotion,Yeomans muses on what his life might have been if his parents had remained together, maintained the land, and continued to reside there. He explores themes of nostalgia, longing, and the passage of time in his lyrics, describing the Welsh word ‘Hiraeth’ – conveying a deep sense of longing and yearning for a life that may never have been – as another of the song’s central themes. The song’s emotional depth is underscored by the inclusion of a haunting Welsh Male Voice Choir, located just miles from the old family property, adding a profound layer of authenticity and connection to the narrative. The influence of Arcade Fire can be heard here – the sweeping string arrangement, driving drums, tender yet strong piano chords create a potent sense of grandeur, reaching a charged height before the song ends on a hopeful note.
Yeomans shared: “This is the most personal song that I have written, and although there’s an element of artistic license involved, the honesty of the situation is at its core for all to see and hear. ‘Caer Bryn‘ is a passionate, honest song. Hearts are on the sleeve and you can’t hide from the feeling of truth and raw emotion when you listen to it or perform it. I think that every one of us has our own ‘Caer Bryn‘ somewhere. It doesn’t have to be built from love and stone, as was the case here, but it’s that one thing in your life that you’ve given everything for and put your soul on the line for. Whatever happens, you’ll always be a hero if you’ve done that.”
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