Shawn James - “The Stones Cried Out”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Gov’t Mule, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Soundgarden

Shawn James’ thick, gritty vocal immediately stands out across the Seattle-based artist’s catalog, a soulful instrument able to carry a wailing melody with intention and strength. Against alt country and classic rock landscapes, James sticks to Southern rock and Americana motifs on his back-tracks and recent single “The Stones Cried Out”, but there’s a ton of gospel and R&B influence in both James’ songwriting and performance. His grand, purposefully rusted pipes are justifiably put out front, letting the bluesmen accompanying James to lay down riffs both commanding and drifting along. There are threads here that connect to some the best alt-rock belters of the 90s, an influence that grounds Shawn James’ music with nostalgic clarity. (Kevin McStravick)