Raise your glass and tip your bartender well this Thursday (12/01) at Bowery Electric. New Jersey’s noir-pop mastermind, Shayfer James, will be showcasing songs off his new release, Counterfeit Arcade, out today. It’s a very special release party where bringing a friend gets you a signed copy of the record, beginning at 9pm.
Shayfer James’ music recently nabbed the attention of MTV Hive, with an interview last week and the premiere of an early fan favorite, “Diggin’ Up Hatchets.” Today FILTER also debuts the video for lead track, “Weight of the World,” a video shot in Metuchen, NJ that depicts James and his band getting slashed during a game of poker. The actual owner of The Raconteur book shop is seen playing villain.
James’ second album swaggers with danceable dark anthems, harrowing ballads, and experiments in chaos. The follow-up to last year’s The Owl & The Elephant, Counterfeit Arcade lures listeners onto a tightrope spun from guts and gin, strung above a pit of contagious melodies and grandiose arrangements.
Recorded with his live band featuring Dusty Bones (drums), Jeremy Gillespie (bass), Dante Edmont (organ), and various special guest performers, Counterfeit Arcade captures an element of spontaneity and emotional fire that was previously only available in live settings.
