WILKES, the project of veteran singer and songwriter Jason Wilkes, is preparing to release the Shells EP.
The eight track EP was entirely fan funded through a kickstarter project in 2014. Kickstarter backers, who received the project early, have already been responding with enthusiasm to the pop/rock-meets-worship styled songs.
In addition to bringing his own songwriting skills to the table, a craft honed through years of fronting High Flight Society and then providing bass, backing vocals and writing for Disciple, Jason Wilkes called on the aid of friends to create an impressive writing roster for Shells. Writing credits include Jon Steingard (Hawk Nelson), Kevin Young and Josiah Prince (Disciple), Dave Stovall (Wavorly, Audio Adrenaline), Ryan Stevenson and John Packer (High Flight Society). The musical WILKES team includes Shane Cole on guitar and bass and Ike Thurston on drums, and Jason Wilkes partnered with Dwayne Larring to produce the project. Rounding out the creative team, former High Flight Society bassist John Packer designed the album artwork.
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New Territory| Posted November 24, 2015
Jason Wilkes's impressive singing and songwriting resume includes years as the frontman of rock group High Flight Society, followed by three years behind the bass and offering backing vocals for hard rock outfit Disciple. That kind of experience would be significant enough, but it's only scratched the surface of Jason's creativity, which has also been poured into the music he's been writing on his own for years. This year some of those gems are finally being unearthed in the form of the Shells EP, released under the musical heading WILKES.
It's immediately apparent that these songs offer something quite different from the rock and roll contexts Jason's voice has been heard in before. "You've Got a Hold On Me" offers a catchy pop melody over just enough of a bass groove to keep the track grounded, supporting lyrics stating the tenacious hold of God's love. "One Star" shows a similar pop approach, a sound suited to Jason's smooth vocals as it expresses the compassion God shows in entering every detail of our lives: "Surrounded by magnificence, I feel so insignificant / but somehow You find ways to keep reminding me that You're everywhere. / I see one star, one star, alone in the sky / it's giving me hope tonight. / I'm just one heart, one heart, feeling lost in the crowd / but I know You see me now."
Although this is definitely a pop release, it shies away from the heavy-handed production mechanics and slickly over-shined facade of many contemporary projects. Jason Wilkes and his team of instrumentalists (Shane Cole on guitar and Ike Thurston on drums) never hide behind too much synthesized sound, displaying an artistry that keeps the songs balanced. "Pursuit" is the most raw of the tracks, taking a primarily acoustic approach.
The thematic bent of this collection of songs is worshipful without ever feeling contrived-- a balance that many similar releases struggle to strike, but that Shells achieves admirably. "Come Now Rain Down" is expectant and earnest, inviting the presence of the Spirit. "Wrecked" captures the raw emotion of moments when we are completely undone by an encounter with God, a theme served by the haunting interlude "The Reckoning Prologue," which shows off the slightly otherworldly timbre of Jason's voice.
In addition to rich moments of worship, Shells also holds an edge of honesty. Closing track "What Are We to Do" explores the shell-shocked aftermath of the sudden and tragic passing of High Flight Society's drummer some years ago. "Shelter" is upfront in its plea for comfort and covering amid life's storms: "it's in the rain, when I'm defeated and I'm ashamed / I feel you the most. / When waters rise, I won't be taken by violent tides / because You hold me close."
The Bottom Line:
The Shells EP beautifully marries substantial lyrics with smooth pop sounds, a combination perfectly suited to veteran vocalist Jason Wilkes's soaring vocals.
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