Producer Lawaun Bernard and vocalist Jamal Bucanan, collectively known as The Shellers introduce the world to their unique blend of immersive, thoughtful and energetic music with debut EP Long Live The Shellers, executively produced by Toddla T.

EP opener ‘Work No More’ serves as an anthem for all those caught in the rat race of contemporary urban life with aspirations of escaping to more meaningful pursuits. The song perfectly encapsulates The Shellers experience in that it is as equally introspective as it is exuberant, Jamal’s thoughtful examination of daily life paired with Lawaun’s heightened production. Sonically, the song effortlessly merges The Shellers live-band setup with Toddla T’s roots in soundsystem culture, providing an elevated experience for all bass music appreciators.

Moving into ‘Hold Up’ we are granted a soulful insight into Jamal’s psyche as he ruminates on various topics over gentle electric keys, a scuttling drum beat and weighty bass. Through the use of his melodic flow, Jamal details the difficulties that chasing a dream can cause within a relationship; the weight of these aspirations causing a strain between the pair. The song’s composition continues to display The Shellers’ level of class, drama being conjured via rising string sections and grooving trumpet lines, another call back to the duo’s big-band origins.

‘Murda’ begins with a belligerent and meandering bassline, an immediately recognisable curation of Toddla T. Vocally, Jamal sounds assured and defiant, offering a scathing commentary on those who watch and gossip rather than focusing on their own lives and interests. As the song builds to its climax, the various musical elements begin to converge, swelling together to create a grandiose final flourish.

‘Does It’ is a song that came together in only a few hours, Lawaun describing it as, “A testament to not overthinking the ting.” Thematically, the song deals with the constant comparison complex we are all susceptible to with the prevalence of social media and is designed to uplift those who may struggle with cycles of overthinking. Production, which is provided by Toddla T and Lawaun, is dense in emotion, with gentle marimbas, pulsing synths and heady bass creating a rich atmosphere. The Shellers once again display their ability to create club music that also carries a depth and relatability to the everyman, reminiscent of The Streets at their most upbeat.

‘De Funk’ begins with a frosty lead synth, reminiscent of classic Grime or G-funk records and the song continues to carry a similarly arctic vibe throughout, with Jamal giving the cold shoulder to a particularly deceitful and untrustworthy acquaintance. The song is characterised by chilling backing vocals, sliding bass and frantic hi-hats, when these elements are stripped away the prominent piano chords create a theatrical atmosphere, adding gravitas to Jamal’s lyrics.

Closing out the project is ‘10 Minutes’, an emotional recounting of an argument between two lovers in which neither is willing to subdue their ego and concede to being in the wrong. Speaking on the song Jamal says, “The line ‘Kill me 10 minutes at a time, as long as it is you I don’t mind’. Symbolises the moment you step back and realise. That despite the heated arguments in the grand scheme of things you wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. Trials and tribulations come with life and arguments happen to the best of us.”  In its final act, the song erupts into a percussive flurry of breaks and vocal chops, reminding us that The Shellers are as equally suited to the club as they are the night bus home.

The Shellers first met when the two were studying at BIMM University (which specialises in courses in music and other creative disciplines) and after a few studio sessions together, decided to combine their talents and form as a duo. Influences have been cited as including Kendrick Lamar, The Gorillaz and Amy Winehouse and this diversity of taste is reflected in their music, with no two songs quite alike but sharing a consistently quality approach to musicality and songwriting. Before publicly releasing any music, The Shellers put together an 11-piece band and have played over 30 live shows across East and West London’s live circuit, beginning to form a cult fanbase of music appreciators.