Words: LMW, Photos: Richie Yates
I secretly love it when bands merge different genres, and I have to admit I’ve got a soft spot for stoner rock—the fuzzy guitars and the ‘Bill Ward’ drums. Shelton San capture all of that, and these songs showcase their ability to fill every corner of the sound spectrum.
“Therefore I Go” opens with a heavy riff that diverts expectations. I imagined a halftime drop, but instead I’m met with driving mid-tempo drums. Kyuss-style riffage collides with the energy of Refused’s Dennis Lyxzen fronting the band. The chorus recalls mid-90s alt-rock with sprinkles of post-hardcore—think Cave In’s Antenna era. By contrast, “Strip Down (Go On)” enters Helmet territory: rusty riffs, ironed out and propelled by the fat, bouncy beat that so many less inquisitive nu-metal bands once tried—and failed—to master. Here, though, the musicians are locked in—Clutch tight.
“Funky Old Fella” feels like something a Maryland blues outfit could sink their teeth into. Vocalist and guitarist, Valter Nõmm, channels the spirit of Iggy Pop with riffage that nods to MC5. There’s a clear Detroit feel here—the raw, anti-authoritative edge of American music. From across the Atlantic, “In the Blink of an Eye” can’t escape the shadow of Black Sabbath. The song channels the Birmingham four-piece but runs it through a Fu Manchu grinder. Raul IIvest pummels the drums while Andreas Johandi lays down a thick, all-encompassing bass foundation.
“Renting Wings” is the driving song—a long ride home through the machinery of The Cult, with Monster Magnet’s spirit pulling the levers and turning the cogs. Nõmm taps into his spirit animal—one that roams both the Arctic tundra and the New Mexico desert. By contrast, “TV & Stuff” leans into chaos: its chords already suggest the unhinged energy hinted at by the title. Strangely enough, it brings to mind early Biffy Clyro (first album)—before they became one of Scotland’s biggest exports. It’s full, wild, and playful. Fuzzed out, riding the border of stoner rock.
This three-piece is tight—super tight. They weave together the agitated rock riffs of the 90s and 00s, framing them in sharp, modern production. It’s uniquely theirs. They’ve carved out a space where their noise fits perfectly between the towering peaks of fuzzed-out doom metal and alternative rock. Big ideas fall from the sky, and they rearrange them into their own language. With serious credentials already—having shared stages with well-established acts such as Mastodon and Moon Duo—it’s clear those bands saw something in them. I hear it too. For fans of Minus, Kyuss, and Helmet.
Links:
Web: https://sheltonsan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheltonsan
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SMDhDg1l0IIvQO4zqLsnu
Bandcamp: https://sheltonsan.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheltonsanofficial/