A Band Called Paul Release New Single ‘Shimalay’

June 18, 2020

‘Shimalay’ is the latest single to be taken from A Band Called Paul’s debut album ‘Primero’ (2019). The track has been remixed and edited for this release.

Prior to breaking into full-on stadium rock at the second verse, the track starts with a wild assortment of unusual sounds to establish the groove including drumming on the steering wheel of a car, the rattling of a key ring, body percussion and an array of close-mic vocal sounds.

In the accompanying one-take music video shot during lockdown, Paul manages to not blink from the start of vocals until the end of the second verse. At 78bpm, that’s uncomfortably long and the effect – as intended – is intense.

Based in Dublin, Ireland, A Band Called Paul is the creation of former orchestral percussionist, soundtrack composer and session musician Paul McDonnell. The band’s music reflects the variety and depth of Paul’s musical career with deft lane changes between hard rock, latin jazz, electronica and world music.

A Band Called Paul released their debut album, ‘Primero’, in February 2019. They have released three singles from the album to date – the latin jazz ‘Hero Two’, the darkly electronic ‘Freefall’ and the upbeat 60’s-influenced indie rock ‘In It For Money’.

The band’s sound has been described as if Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, The The and Beck were to collaborate.