The Sylvia Platters/Stephen Carl O’Shea
Shadow Steps
(CIVL Radio)
4/5
Vancouver’s The Sylvia Platters and Stephen Carl O’Shea (from You Say Party) are both on the new split 12” LP, Shadow Steps.
Side A starts with The Sylvia Platters’ “Morning Ritual,” a short indie song influenced by ’90s rock but with a late-’70s sound. It sets the tone for the tracks that follow. “TV Light,” with its relaxing feel, easy-to-listen-to vocal performance, and piercing instrumentation, is definitely a standout cut.
O’Shea’s side takes another direction, with epic instrumentation and deep vocals. “World of Tears” takes this to heart and delivers a harmonious balance between the two. “Fear Is My Compassion” gives a contrast between the instrumental and the vocals, which turns it into one of the most interesting tracks here.
Overall, while different, both sides share a balance and complement each other, delivering a similar feel with a very different sound.