Excerpt: “It’s been a joy to watch Drew Sullivan’s career unfold as majestically as one of his compositions… Dedicated to the music that shaped him as an individual, Sullivan pays homage to those he loves, incorporating fragments of New Romanticism, Art-Rock and even ’80s Metal within the gorgeous expanses of drifting guitar-based ambience… Rather than imposing sun-bursting melodies upon the listener, they are allowed to breathe, as volume swells provide the dynamic movement and direction throughout… Though headphones should be a pre-requisite for this record, Priest Lake still radiates with melody, colour and texture even when played at its lowest volume. Sullivan delicately balances his love of all things ’80s with the luscious reverbed ambience we’ve become accustomed to, without ever sounding indulgent. Within these eight floating gems, drones sublimate into melody and elegiac clouds form celestial sounds, to compose a rousing soundtrack for nostalgic daydreams.”

Angry Ape 

Excerpt: “Sullivan is one of those musicians whose music is heavily influenced by Eno and his music is justly ambient. Throughout many times — depending on the time of the day — I found myself dozing off to its gentle and warm tones. Not because it was boring but because its utter calmness and gentle demeanor were far too prevalent to fight. Other times, especially with the headphones, I found myself catching the small intricacies that Sullivan included… This is slow-moving, slow-growing, reflective music that is meant to be heard alone. And it’s the kind of music you can put on, lay down and simply wash over your thoughts with… One thing is for sure, Sullivan knows how to create lush, varied walls of sounds that are both inviting and engaging… an artist to watch, not just in the ambient field but for music in general.”

Delusions of Adequacy 

Slow Dancing Society’s stunning new album Priest Lake Circa ‘88 has just received glowing reviews on Angry Ape and Delusions of Adequacy. Visit the sites to read the reviews in full, or pop along to Slow Dancing Society’s reviews section for lovingly edited excerpts. The album is available on CD or mp3 from the HSR Store.

Slow Dancing Society - A Warm Glow  Slow Dancing Society - A Warm Glow

Hidden Shoal Recordings is currently being featured as a “Label You Should Know About” at the very excellent Better Than The Van Site. For those of you not in the know, Better Than The Van is a community site that hooks touring bands up with fans, music lovers and general good folk who offer free accommodation. Very cool eh?

Head over to the site to check it out and while you’re there you can stream tracks from the likes of Ghost In The Water, My Majestic Star, Iretsu, The Slow Beings and Monocle.

Why are you still here?