The Shadow Project
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Felixstowe , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
The Shadow Project is an electro rock ensemble from Felixstowe, Suffolk, England, established in 2003. The founding and current members consist of Tom Askew on guitars, Stephen Hurley handling drums, Simon McCarthy also on guitars, and Ben Wright covering bass and electronics. Following the 2007 release of their debut album A Beauty To Fight For, which was met with critical praise, the group disbanded in 2008 before reuniting three years later in 2011. Their comeback single "The Nature Boys" received acclaim from BBC Introducing and secured continued endorsement from industry influencers such as Huw Stephens and John Best, manager of Sigur Rós.
The band is also noted for its charitable efforts, having donated unreleased tracks to the 'Hope for Japan' initiative—a post-rock compilation album aimed at supporting those affected by the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
History
The Shadow Project began late in 2003 when Tom Askew and Stephen Hurley, former classmates at Deben High School, started working together musically. Shortly after, Simon McCarthy joined the lineup, followed by Ben Wright who contributed electronic sounds. Despite attending various universities across England, they swiftly developed original material and performed their debut show in Felixstowe on 23 December 2003, with friend Seni Chanapai filling in on bass.
Early years: 2004–2006
In April 2004, they self-funded their initial release—a four-track Objects Appear EP—recorded at Sickroom Studios in Norfolk under the guidance of producer Owen Turner from Magoo. This EP garnered attention from local radio stations and led to national gigs supporting bands like Hot Chip and The Longcut, as well as sharing stages with local acts such as The Dawn Parade and Miss Black America. Stewart Page replaced Chanapai as the permanent bassist.
Following the sell-out of their first EP, December 2004 saw them record Voices EP, which was released in January 2005. It developed a dedicated following, with the title track becoming a concert favorite partly due to veteran DJ John Peel’s endorsement. Throughout 2005, The Shadow Project expanded their footprint by performing at major UK festivals and cultivating audiences in Europe and China. By 2006, they secured a deal with independent label NROne Records based in Norwich. They recorded an EP titled The Tears in Their Eyes Brought Destruction to the Skies at Purple Studios in Trowse, Norfolk; however, technical difficulties during production resulted in the project being abandoned.
A Beauty To Fight For and disbandment: 2007
Despite initial setbacks with their studio recordings, NROne Records encouraged the band to create a full-length album. In February 2007, The Shadow Project spent six weeks recording at The Way Recording Studio London in Hackney—chosen for its cozy atmosphere and warm analogue sound quality. Mastering was completed by Mandy Parnell at Electric Mastering, renowned for work with artists like Björk and Mogwai who influenced the band’s style. Bassist Stewart Page expressed uncertainty about touring commitments; consequently, Tim Phillips rehearsed on bass during this period. After recording concluded, Page decided to stay while Phillips transitioned to vocals and guitar, expanding the group to six members.
Released on 4 June 2007, A Beauty To Fight For surpassed all previous NROne Records releases by sales during its first week and remains their top-selling album. BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens described it as "absolutely gorgeous," providing substantial airplay for tracks such as "All The Pretty Things." Drowned in Sound praised their progression within the post-rock genre. Following entry into the top 100 charts in August 2007, German promoter Burning Eagle Bookings arranged their inaugural European tour. Nevertheless, internal conflicts and differing artistic visions among the six members led to their disbandment in September 2007, with an official announcement made early the following year.
Post-breakup period: 2007–2010
Following the split, members Stephen, Tim, and Tom launched the indie synth ensemble Buried in Pompeii in 2008, collaborating with keyboardist Dan Gregory. Meanwhile, Simon became part of the alt-folk rock group elephant.
Reunion and activity: 2011–present
The original quartet of The Shadow Project reunited after crossing paths at weddings in late 2010. Their initial rehearsal took place in May 2011, soon leading to a sold-out reunion performance at the Norwich Arts Centre in October. This concert showcased four fresh compositions alongside selections from the Voices EP. They also recorded a live session for the BBC and appeared at The Swan venue in Ipswich. In April 2012, they unveiled "The Nature Boys," marking their first studio release since A Beauty To Fight For, with a new album undergoing mixing.
In May 2012, Sky Italia secured publishing rights to "Being Here (So Confusing)" for use in an HD television advertising campaign across Italy.
Musical style
The Shadow Project fuses elements of indie, electronica, post-rock, dance, and ambient music to produce cinematic rock atmospheres. Their sound incorporates vocoders, glitch effects, drum machines, looping, sampling, and extensively processed guitar tones. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Radiohead, The Cooper Temple Clause, Daft Punk, and Brian Eno, their approach results in a broader sonic palette than is typical within the post-rock genre.
Discography
- Studio albums
- A Beauty To Fight For (2007)
- EPs
- Objects Appear (2004)
- Voices (2005)
- The Tears in Their Eyes Brought Destruction to the Skies (2006)