Jared James Nichols: Shadow Dancer EP Review
Jared James Nichols is a blues rock guitar powerhouse. Few match Nichols’ intensity on the instrument. When the pandemic hit and musicians were taken off the road, Nichols took it as an opportunity to continue to work on his craft and create new music. The result is Nichols’ new EP, Shadow Dancer.
Shadow Dancer is a four-track EP and is sort of an appetizer as Nichols prepares to release a full length album in 2022. Nichols kicks off the EP with the single “Skin ‘n Bone.” “Bad Roots” is a song Nichols says is “an anthem to rise above and continue to reach for good instead of evil.” It’s a stomping rocker with a soaring guitar solo.
“Saint Or Fool” takes a more stripped back approach with Jared’s vocal intro before exploding into a hard-charging, sinister riff. The album closes with the title track which has a grunge feel and of course another great guitar solo. Jared’s been covering Alice In Chains’ “Man in the Box” live and this song heads in that type of direction.
Shadow Dancer features explosive riffs and the intensity we’ve come to expect from Jared. While the album is just four tracks, it’s a great indicator of what’s to come from an ascending artist.
The Review: 8.5/10
The Big Hit
– Bad Roots
I used to like Jared James Nichols, but this EP is a big disappointment, the sound is not good. It feels like being recorded in a cave. Like there is no mastering on the record. Not comfortable to listen to. Not good at all!