ALBUM REVIEW: Shed the Skin by Selk

Navigating between minimal and maximum, Shed the Skin by Selk melds a myriad of genres including jazz, classical, electronica, folk, ambient, rock and more into a unique musical landscape that at times sounds familiar yet mystical.

Diving deep into their artistic style, lead vocalist and songwriter Anna Jordan and Dennis Cassidy on drums, are accompanied by Barry Brady on guitar, Dave Redmond on bass, Kate Ellis on cello, and Cora Venus Lunny on violin, with arrangements by Judith Ring.

Several tracks on Shed the Skin were born out of Anna’s creative solitude during the lockdown. This introspective period is palpable in the songs like “Moments”, “Pure”, “No Survivor” and “I’ll Stay Here Now” as they exude tranquillity, delicateness, and intimacy.

But it’s title track “Shed the Skin” that stands out amongst the eight track album. Whether Anna was channelling Joni Mitchell or inspired by her, the song is the smorgasbord of the previously mentioned genres into one blithe and airy track that is as effervescent in both music and vocals.

Selk has shed their own musical skin with Shed the Skin, creating an original, winsome, and thoughtful album that allows others do the same or at least escape from the stress of life by listening.

Listen to Shed the Skin on Spotify