Doors at 8pm. Show at 9pm. $6. 21+

Shawn James & The Shapeshifters (Fayetteville, AR)
Born on the south side of Chicago, singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist, Shawn James had a kind, hardworking Mother and a gambling, drunk and often abusive Father. His conflicted home life can still be heard in his music which can be full of contrasts — dark and light, anger and joy, earthy and airborne – while remaining gritty and real. Singing in church growing up, he was drawn to the emotional, ethereal power of music and its ability to affect people. It was there that he found his escape and learned how to harness his unique, soulful voice.

Shawn James & The Shapeshifters are a 5 piece rock band from Fayetteville, Arkansas. At first glimpse, you might confuse them with a bluegrass or metal band. Influenced by every type of music, and growing up in several heavy and folky bands, the sound is not what you would expect. With a different vibe for every ep put out so far, they truly utilize the phrase “shapeshifters”.

The new album, “The Gospel According to Shawn James and the Shapeshifters” is the hardest hitting record yet. For lack of any term whatsoever, the record could be described simply as “rock and roar”. At times, it evokes both Son House and SunO)))), with haunting fiddle and plucking banjo amidst swampy, fuzz driven slide guitars. Some parts are like a fog rising from a cave, some crashing like a thunderstorm.

If you happen to catch them live, you will be surprised. The band is overflowing with passion, playing as though it’s their last chance to leave a mark on this world. It is an intense purging of sorts.

W/ High Ruler