EP REVIEW: Shel Khan – Garden

‘…synth-sculpted landscapes that offer both claustrophobic industrial fuzz and ethereal, minimalist beats. You can never be one-hundred percent certain of the direction Khan is about to take…’

Based out of Toronto, Shel Khan has been living within the music industry for over twenty years at this point, experiencing the worlds of writing, recording and producing through post-secondary music education and mentorship. In 2024, the singer-songwriter released her debut single, ‘Honest‘, and has continued to release a steady stream of tracks since then, harnessing a sound that pulls influence from ambient, industrial, grunge, and alternative realms. This month has seen Khan put the pieces together for her debut, self-produced EP, ‘Garden‘, and what is born from this is a foray into the delightfully unconventional.

Despite Khan’s usage of electronic textures, there is a wholly organic, human feel to her work; sumptuous melodies that muse on creativity, isolation and insecurity snake their way through synth-sculpted landscapes that offer both claustrophobic industrial fuzz and ethereal, minimalist beats. You can never be one-hundred percent certain of the direction Khan is about to take, flitting through unexpected key changes and instrumental arrangements. The title track and opening number commences with unsettling, strident bass notes backed by distant murmurs of vocals, before Khan arrives with a commanding, soulful presence. Rhythms rattle with a metallic coldness, only serving exemplify Khan’s ruminations on loneliness and hope.

‘Bruise‘ carries distinct musical ideas that wouldn’t have gone amiss in an early 00’s post-grunge cut, or perhaps even a soft Linkin Park number. Ethereal vocal harmonies wash over the top of a skittish beat, whilst guitars deliver drawn-out melodies that add a pleasing rawness to the otherwise luscious arrangements. On the more minimalist end of the spectrum, ‘if there’s nothing‘ permits Khan’s smoky vocals to shine thoroughly, snaking through a spacious landscape of calculated rhythms and moody bass melodies, illuminated by haunted vocal harmonies. Jazzy chord progressions are used delightfully to add a real punch to Khan’s soft delivery, leaving the whole affair feeling bitterly irreverent and undeniably cathartic.

For an introduction into the world of Shel Khan, ‘Garden’ is wonderfully inviting. There’s a soft, hypnotic beauty to her music, but also a cutting vulnerability that keeps you from falling wholly into a trance. Her willingness to evolve her sound and adapt her palette is evident, and promises that she is an artist worthy of keeping your attention on.

RATING: 76/100

For Fans Of: Fever Ray, MS MR, Anavae,

Follow the artist on social media below:

Instagram