I reviewed at least one of the tracks from Michael Shuman’s new side, solo project, GLU, but now we get treated to a whole EP!
Michael Shuman is someone who just oozes cool-man vibes, so it’s neat to hear how all of his side projects sound so different to the ripping rock of his main gig in Queens of the Stone Age. Which, sidebar, they’ve got to be putting out new music soon, right?! Why make all of these big festival appearances?! One can only hope, and one can also hope it sounds just as awesome as Villains. But anyway, Shuman is putting new music into the world and you bet your ass I’m going to listen to it.
As I said, I already praised two of the five tracks released off this EP, My Demons, but we can certainly talk about them again! The title track was actually treated to two different versions. One of the same name, while the other, altered to “Fucked with My Demons,” is more of a remixed version. Honestly, they endcap the EP and they really weren’t that different enough for me to pick a favorite between the two. What I do like about the song is that it’s sonically, a bit of a nod to Shuman’s other side project, Mini Mansions, although this one comes with a spoken-word/rap style to it. Even better is that this song features guest vocals from Sarah Barthel, lead singer of one of my all time favorite bands, Phantogram. He gets all the points for including her.
“Cold Sweat” is a freaking awesome track. It starts off sounding a bit like ambient club music, but then morphs into something much more enveloping. It’s a very cool song, and I’m honestly surprised it’s not blown up like everywhere. The final two tracks off this EP are equally as cool as the former, I promise. “Night Shift” might have the edge here because it reminds me so much of Big Grams. There’s a perfect mix of electronics, rock, and rap. A similar rapping style is utilized in “Moonwalkin’,” but it’s set to a much smoother and groovier sound. Shuman manages to sound incredibly sexy when he switches from the rapped verses to singing in the chorus, although I laughed a little at the lyric, “hotter than Flamin’ Hot Cheetos”…why.
Overall though, that was a really enjoyable listen! I don’t know what the future holds for this side project, as I imagine Shuman is very busy juggling the demands of Queens of the Stone Age and Mini Mansions. Will this morph into a full-length effort in the future? I hope so. Maybe what I hope for more is the chance to see this solo project live and in person. I know there have been a handful of European dates, and a very small smattering of California shows, but nothing more for now. Holding out hope!