Individually, the members of theSHIFT are highly sought-after musicians who’ve recorded and toured the world with music royalty. Together, John Shannon (vocals/guitar), MJ Lambert (drums) and Ben Geis (bass) craft earth-shattering, anthemic rock with vibrant depth and a forceful punch. The powerhouse trio’s defiant sound is perfectly captured on its debut 7^th Direction, to be released on April 14. theSHIFT’s multi-layered riffs and heavy driven groove are in full effect with “Kobra”, the first single off of 7^th Direction. The song received its world premiere with Loudwire, and can be streamed below.
Stream “Kobra” here:
www.loudwire.com/theshift-kobra-exclusive-song-premiere/
7^th Direction was recorded at Brooklyn’s Mission Sound and Manhattan’s JRock Studios and co-produced by Jamie Siegel (Taking Back Sunday, Mary J. Blidge, Santana). Referencing the Native American concept of directions, the track title further reflects a deeper meaning behind theSHIFT’s approach to music. “theSHIFT is about altering your consciousness through the sheer power of rock n’ roll,” declares Shannon. “Our lyrics don’t question the government, they question the nature of your reality.”
Having each attended the famed Berklee College of Music, theSHIFT comes from a wide-ranging music spectrum. Shannon has recorded and toured with top-national acts like John Mayer, Lauren Hill and Ben Harper, and also composed music for comedian Louis CK’s live specials and hit FX series, Louie. Lambert and Geis’ musical roots lie deep in the world of hip hop, having backed legends Big Daddy Kane and Slick Rick.
Despite continuing to be in high-demand for session work, the trio has made theSHIFT their primary focus, determined to inject rock with the rebellious boldness lacking in today’s climate. “When you just play a song perfectly from start to finish there’s no danger there,” explains Shannon. “When you choose to open it up in a way that’s in touch with the moment and the audience, then you can get into some real danger, real transcendence.” theSHIFT is constantly on the road, bringing its vivacious rock n’ roll spirit to life onstage. The trio will continue to tour nation-wide leading up to the release of 7^th Direction, with more dates to be announced shortly.
Dates for theSHIFT’s tour:
02/27 – Bourbon and Branch – Philadelphia, PA
02/28 – Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) – New York, NY
03/04 – Legendary Dobbs – Philadelphia, PA
03/05 – Ruddy Duck – Dowell, MD
03/07 – Crown Station – Charlotte, NC
03/08 – Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC
03/11 – Smoke and Barrel – Fayetteville, AR
03/12 – Shipping and Receiving – Fort Worth, TX
03/13 – Super Happy Funland – Houston, TX
03/14 – Trailer Space Records – Austin, TX
03/15 – Spinners – Austin, TX
03/17 – Rogue Bar – Phoenix, AZ
03/18 – Marble Brewery – Albuquerque, NM
03/19 – Yucca Tap Room – Phoenix, AZ
03/20 – Olde Sedona Tavern – Sedona, AZ
03/21 – Mia’s Lounge – Flagstaff, AZ
03/22 – Lestats Coffee House – San Diego, CA
03/24 – Ham and Eggs – Los Angeles, CA
03/26 – Five Star Bar – Los Angeles, CA (w/ Dust on the Radio)
03/27 – Crazy Horse – Nevada City, CA
03/28 – Stork Club – Oakland, CA
03/30 – Club 66 – Ashland, OR
04/02 – Emerald of Siam – Richland, WA
04/03 – Firkin Tavern – Portland, OR
04/04 – Underground 15 – Spokane, WA
04/08 – Eddie McStiff’s – Moab, UT
04/09 – The Green Pig – Salt Lake City, UT
04/10 – ABG’s Libation Emporium – Provo, UT
04/11 – Sidewinder Tavern – Denver, CO
04/11 – Sidewinder – Denver, CO
04/12 – Lion’s Lair – Denver, CO
04/13 – Vega – Lincoln, NE
04/15 – Shamrocks Pub – Omaha, NE
04/16 – Driftwood Char Bar – Minneapolis, MN
04/17 – Linnemans – Milwaukee, WI (w/ Parallel)
04/18 – Silvie’s Lounge – Chicago, IL
04/19 – Fizz – Chicago, IL
04/22 – Taffeta on Eaton – Eaton, OH
04/23 – Scarlet and Grey Café – Columbus, OH
04/24 – Pittsburgh Winery – Pittsburgh, PA
04/25 – Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2) – New York, NY