EP REVIEW: Shefu – Shefu

‘…what ‘Shefu’ represents is the true transformation from plucky rising stars to the next need-to-know name in indie…’

Allow me to reiterate a long-standing sentiment here: Shefu are going to be massive, if there is justice in this universe. The Liverpool based three-piece have been the hot name of the Merseyside circuit for some time now, supporting local legends Crawlers and Red Rum Club with merely a handful of singles. Between their killer live set and brilliantly catchy songs, there is an indescribable star quality about this band that is impossible to deny.

Now, after battling a year of line-up changes and artistic shifts, the band have come out not only with a sold-out headline London show under their belts, but a debut EP. ‘Shefu’ not only collates all of the material long-time fans have been treated to live, but offers the perfect introduction into their colourful world.

‘Do you want my number?‘ is an absolutely killer opening track, with its rambunctious, big band tinged introduction exploding outwards into a brilliantly danceable indie rock cut. The ascending guitar passages from Alice Oliphant are particularly electrifying, vaulting the track perfectly into the effortlessly cool and insanely catchy choruses. ‘Give It’ is a swaggering, grunge-laden number that carries a weighty, vicious bitterness, whilst ‘Smoke Show’ makes for a playful yet subtly melancholic indie rock cut.

The highlight, however, is certainly the stunning ‘Arizona’, which recounts vocalist Rose Winn’s spur-of-the-moment journey to Arizona in the midst of a personal crisis. Gentle, blues-tinged guitar work and unintelligible vocal murmuring sits beneath a truly magnificent vocal performance from Winn; whilst her power is what may draw one to her, her vulnerability here showcases what a magnificent and versatile vocalist she has developed into.

This self-titled EP feels like the true introduction to Shefu. Whilst, yes, the band have released stellar material prior to this, what ‘Shefu’ represents is the true transformation from plucky rising stars to the next need-to-know name in indie. Everything that they promised is now here, with the polish and finesse it deserves.

Faced with challenges and changes that would have seen the end of many bands, Shefu have come out the other side armed with the talent, drive, and charm to take over the world. The only question that remains is whether you want to know the next big stars right now, or wait until their name is in lights.

RATING: 78/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Scissor Sisters, Gossip, The Fratellis, Wet Leg, Queen Cult

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify