Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Sun Mahshene emerged in 2018, breathing new life into the Indie and Shoegaze scenes. Comprising six diverse members from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Poland, Sun Mahshene provides a musical journey that transcends genres. ‘Post-Shoegaze’ for the masses.
In 2020, the band unleashed the “Contradictions & Tales of Fiction” EP, a sonic exploration that left audiences craving more. Following the EP’s success, including track “Leave This City” (42k Spotify streams), next single “The Righteous One” was accompanied by a mind-bending music video, directed by award-winning visual artist Ste Murray.
Sun Mahshene next released a special LP titled “Space Echoes: The EPs“, a compilation of tracks from their previously released EPs. The limited-edition vinyl sold out in one day, a testament to the band’s dedicated fanbase and the allure of their music.
Having graced the stage at Electric Picnic, Ireland’s largest music festival, Sun Mahshene showcased their live act with headline shows (including Whelan’s and The Workman’s Club), which solidified their presence in the hearts of music enthusiasts.
September 2023 marked the release of the single “Reverie“, which immediately went on rotation on Amazing Radio UK (winning an online vote to make the playlist), BBC Radio 1, BBC Across The Line, Radio X, and across Irish radio (RTE 2FM, 98FM). The high-energy video has now reached over 32k views on YouTube.
Second single “New Shores” immediately picked up radio play on BBC, RTE, and once again won the online “audition poll” on Amazing Radio UK. “New Shores” is the perfect follow up to “Reverie”; energetic yet reflective, providing a glimpse into the sonic odyssey that awaits listeners with the highly anticipated debut LP, “A Place We’ve Never Been”. This promises to be a culmination of the band’s artistic evolution, mastered by Mark Gardener of Ride. His expertise at the controls sets the stage for the album to captivate music fans in summer 2024.
With their debut album on the horizon set for release August 23rd alongside the focus track ‘Turning Tide’
Sun Mahshene now hopes to keep building their momentum and growing audiences on their home turf in Ireland and really tackling music scenes globally by storm with aspirations to play big festivals and bigger venues in the future.
The band are available for any press interviews, radio sessions, etc for promo in the run up to the record.
Focus track “Turning Tide” is an empowering anthem about breaking free from the chains of a toxic relationship. The song’s poignant lyrics detail the journey from heartbreak to self-liberation. A blend of soulful melodies and uplifting beats underscores the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
On the focus track, Nathan recalls that: “Turning Tide’ existed in another form with a different title for a few years, before it was brought back in for consideration. Like all the songs on the album, once the six of us got to work on it it changed dramatically from the demo version to the final product”.
The track makes use of synth and ambient elements, paired with fuzz guitar and a huge anthemic chorus, suggesting Oasis at their most universal.
Recording continued throughout winter 2022, with the final mixing sessions taking place in spring 2023. Then, the album was shipped over to Oxford, into the hands of Mark Gardener (RIDE) and Ox4 studio for mastering.
Introducing “A Place We’ve Never Been”, the debut album by post-shoegaze group Sun Mahshene. Featuring soul-baring lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, this album marks a step forward from the group’s earlier psych-rock sound.
With members hailing from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Poland, the line-up is eclectic and diverse, leading to music that is a bold mix of alternative rock, ambient electronica, and shoegaze, with a decidedly anthemic tone.
Their sound, influenced by bands such as Ride and The War On Drugs, has its own powerful and truly captivating spin. The songs are multifaceted and range in mood, including softer songs driven by dreamy ambient guitar lines, and more upbeat, driving songs utilising multi-layered guitars.
Experience the elevating reverberations of first single “Reverie”, the upbeat and hopeful “New Shores”, and the striking closer “Rise” – all crafted with a careful balance of electronic and organic sounds, combining smooth-edged melodies with soaring three-part vocal harmonies. Listeners will feel uplifted and transported by the powerful “Turning Tide”, and the ethereal journey of “World”.
Thematically, the album very much relates to the title: “A Place We’ve Never Been”. Not only does this refer to the band finding themselves stepping forward, it also relates to the uncertainty that exists in the world today. The album pairs lyrical hallmarks such as escapism, dreams, and the dissatisfaction of modern life with a sense of resilience and perseverance.
Singer Nathan explains: “A lot of the lyrics are about escaping, but at the same time a lot of them are about being rooted, finding ‘home’, whatever that may be. A track like “World”, with the lyric “the world will grind you down” might sound defeatist, but it’s really about focusing on those who you love and want to keep close in times of trouble.”
“A Place We’ve Never Been” fulfils Sun Mahshene’s potential, pushing boundaries with finely-tuned melodies and a unique sonic approach.
A Place We’ve Never Been began life in October 2022, when the band recorded the first single, “Reverie”. As guitarist Rob remembers: “This was the first time this current line-up of the band were in the studio together. We spent the weekend recording “Reverie”, and we were all amazed at the results. It was a real moment and made us realize we were on to something special”.