February and March will see a steady flow of new releases and back-catalogue re-issues from the Shame Destroyer roster.
First of all, coming February 12th is Devin Stoneham’s brand new album – only his second ever! – after a ten-year-long absence. “On the Essence of Being” is a wonderful record, showcasing Devin’s alternative flair, his sweeping melodies, crafted orchestration and a wide range of genres – all of which you can hum along after one listen. Lyrically, “On the Essence of Being” is at once philosophical and poetic, touching upon the spiritual and the carnal, through life, love, and death.
Pre-save via lnk.to/Essence
Devin’s brand new album will be shortly followed by the re-issue of his 2004 solo debut, “The Help You Need”. Produced by Sean Baillie, this record includes songs Devin wrote dating as far back as his 90’s band project Madame Tussaud: with brother Sean and friend Justin Peroff (Justin went on to join Broken Social Scene). Along the way, between Madame Tussaud and finally releasing “The Help You Need” in 2004, Devin went on to drum for Passion d’Flower, Neil Leyton, Red Orkestra, Lindi and other projects.
Shame Destroyer is proud to bring you both Devin Stoneham albums, from a rare talent producing truly timeless music.
Coming March 19th 2021, 30 years to the day that Sameer Gidwani dreamt the dream that inspired the creation of his alter ego Skutch Shimoda – and the brilliant song Emanon II – Shame Destroyer brings you the original “Flowers in the Rain” album by Passion d’Flower: Neil Leyton and Skutch formed the band and invited drummer Mike Rogal to Studio 92 for the recording sessions of their debut – a cassette album.
We invite you to take a trip down memory lane via this psyche-punk-experimental album, from a time when everyone was still learning how to play their instrument, fronted by an incredible singer-songwriter writing songs beyond his years and singing them with an urgent passion not often seen – the most inspired band you never heard!
Finally, to round out this musical offering to help you get through these bizarre times, Shame Destroyer will be bringing you the very first of a series of Neil Leyton unreleased exclusive singles and EP re-issues of long out-of-print music to celebrate Leyton’s 30th anniversary making music: from starting out with Innocent Sin and Passion d’Flower in 1991, to fronting The Conscience Pilate between 1995 and 1997, to his first solo outing in 1999 with the “Secret Avenue” record, there have been recordings along the way that have not seen the light of day – Shame Destroyer is here to release these gems.
“The Farewell Song” is one such situation: an impromptu jam at Studio 92 – perhaps during a Passion d’Flower session, though it could have also been a Neil Leyton one – saw Leyton put down his frankenstein trademark Fender bass to pick up his black Gibson ES 135 and ask Devin Stoneham, on drums, to just play along. The result is a sprawling piece of rock psychedelia, with Sameer Gidwani aka Skutch guesting on vocals and guitar, bringing some spoken word and reverb guitar ambience as a counterpoint to Leyton’s rock n roll delivery.
Date to be confirmed… meanwhile stay tuned to Leyton’s Music Lives online radio show, with its latest episode being the first of several monthly installments featuring music supervisor Markus Linde: https://www.mixcloud.com/NeilLeyton/