Shan Bruton – Beast Mode (2024)
Inspired by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, singer-songwriter Shan Bruton found a passion for creative expression early in life. Before he even hit double-digits, the 5-year-old Bruton was wading into a musical journey, which continued as he attended music classes at school. Skip ahead a couple of decades, and the US-based artist reaches across different arts – dancing to rapping, music production to acting and writing. Join us as we delve into his debut EP, Beast Mode.
Self-recorded and produced, the EP embraces a DIY ethic. For me, I find the first track, ‘Possessive’, quite intriguing as it pays a tribute to Michael Jackson. From the signature Jackson “woah”, I imagine Bruton dancing along wearing the iconic silver sequins glove. Chilled-out, but with a bouncing pop edge lingering in the back, ‘Possessive’ is a melding of synths, beats, and mellow vibes.
‘Wonderland’ hits our ears with a strong pop vibe ala Michael Jackson. Soft in the background, but with a sense of urgency seemingly locked in the pop twirl. Yet, while I begin to feel Bruton is leaning too far to a pop-inspired sound, ‘Aim High’ clips in. A shift to a heavier rap sound, the new track taps into vintage rap/hip-hop sounds from the 90s – think Snoop Dogg dragged to the 21st century.
Finally, Beast Mode ends with ‘Let You Down’. Teetering between retro RnB and hip-hop, Bruton favours 90s bands like The Fugees; however, the rawness of his vocals makes ‘Let You Down’ more rugged than those nostalgic memories of yesteryear.
Overall, what are my thoughts on Bruton and Beast Mode? A reflective EP, the lyricism adds weightiness as the best thing about Beast Mode. In a conversation about self-worth, self-discovery, trials, challenges, and empowerment, Shan Bruton looks at various existential issues; however, this is potentially where innovation and individuality end.
Using the DIY approach to music, Bruton tackles all areas of composition, performance and production, making the roughness of Beast Mode typical. Then again, its roughness is so brash and evident, I feel I am listening to a set of demos instead of a polished EP, particularly the vocal execution. Moreover, while Bruton notes his influence as Michael Jackson, I feel there is too much of Jackson in Beast Mode – even in the less pop ‘Aim High’ and ‘Let You Down’.
If Beast Mode is a homage to Michael Jackson, and 90s music is what Bruton is going for, then you hit it spot on. For me, however, I suggest he sit down, take a step back, and think about his sound while sprucing up his production skills.
Find out more about Shan Bruton on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
