For a trio line-up of guitar, drums and bass, the Shades of Gray have found a unique and powerful sound driven by talent, stage presence, and three guys who know how to make it fun. Since 2001, the Shades have played their way across western Canada--- from their hometown of Calgary to their recent hangout of Vancouver. They’ve taken to playing a number of styles over the years, but have come to settle in on an upbeat sound that fuses funk, rock, and sweet melodies--- drawing comparisons to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, and The New Pornographers. Their tunes are catchy and without fail bring the fans to the dance floor, which is a good thing for three guys who might not do all that much dancing in their spare time.
The band is comprised of Neuman Mannas on bass guitar and vocals. His slap bass lines are intense and near revolutionary for the instrument, making his playing extremely interesting to watch—especially in a day and age when the bass is too often forgotten. Additionally, Neuman contributes a number of unique instruments such as the didgeridoo, harmonica, and every now and then the banjo. Next there’s guitarist and vocalist Wesley MacInnes. He appeals largely to the catchy-melodic section of fans in the crowd who have come to know many of his comical lyrics and signature stage-moves which can only be described on paper as “The Wes Dance”. Last, but certainly not least, there is Peter Ottis --- the Slovakian born rhythm machine that drives the grooves of the Shades. His sense of drumming truly makes the songs breathe with a jump in every beat that he hammers home. When asked about his Slovak background he was unable to comment. Answered instead by guitarist MacInnes, “We’re still teaching him English, but damn he can play those drums.”
The past year has been a busy time for the Shades, while attending UBC in Vancouver they have consistently packed the bars and venues on the west coast and beyond. On March 18th 2008 they stood victorious as the annual UBC Battle of the Bands champions. Their tunes have received airtime in Vancouver and Kelowna on the university stations and their most recent CD, “Rock n Roll Powerhouse” picked up a solid review from Vancouver’s leading arts paper, which stated that the music,
“Clearly shows how these Calgary transplants combine rock with funky underpinnings and melodies and hooks aplenty” -The Georgia Straight—
They have set their sights high and have vigorously written new songs as they head into the studio this summer. They have also begun the pre-production work for a music video set to be released in tandem with the album. Having played shows with other up-and-coming acts like Lotus Child, Said the Whale, and Starewell, there is a growing sense of anticipation and excitement.
Morale at the Shades’ camp has never been higher as the work they have done over the past seven years begins to kick in. Bassist Neuman Mannas commented, “What can we say? So long as the fans keep dancing and the shows keep flyin’ high, we’re happy to keep pushing our music to the next level.”
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WE'RE BACK :) We've started our penny drive for the Vancouver Food Bank and hope you have an empty pickle jar earmarked for us/Jeff O'Neil/Vancouver food bank. 8 months can generate some serious copper-age!
i remember that show, it was in the middle of nowhere (it seemed) and we had to play and leave right away cuz our bassist had another gig. party. i think that was the second last show we ever did.
anyhow, cool. seeya round, maybe we'll play together sometime.
-elliot
good music. So for the last like 2 years maybe even more, ive had this identity problem with wes. ill be walking down the street, or ill be in a restaraunt or the bar or something right. and someone will come up to me and be like whats up wes so the other day i decided to be like "who the hell is wes??" and the guy told me to come here so i did. haha just thought id let you know, but you guys are good, sweet tunes.
hey, i read your post on the twist and shout myspace (i play in that band too) that you were listening to the g.u.m. album and googled our names
how did you guys ever get a copy of the g.u.m. album?? that's hilarious.
i don't think our drummer from g.u.m. is doing any music now and i don't know what the bassist is doing.
but ME (elliot the guitar player), i'm doin a bunch! i'm playing in twist and shout, and i'm playing in this, my original band, aswell. i played in life without water before too, we played with you guys at UBC.
anyhow sorry to be a weirdo and leave a long comment, i just got stoked that someone was listening to my old band because no one ever talks about it and i assume everyone forgot it existed.
cool you guys are playing with make the lion. adam basanta is the dopest.
It was really good to see you out on Wednesday at the show! I will try and make it out to your guys's CD Release party at The Media Club. Nice poster btw! Take Care,
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