“Singer –songwriter Shayne Holland has emerged with five new songs, heralding a fresh chapter in this Boston artist’s prolific career. His recordings include three full-length albums and several Eps and single releases, as well as extensive live performing from the Shayne Holland Band in the last several years. The birth of Holland’s daughter Ayla put a wonderful spin on life as he focused on his family and the not- so-simple task of bringing up a child. Now that Ayla is a bit older, her musician father has had time to revisit and finish up some of the many scraps of ideas he envisioned and demoed during this time. Those ideas, realized slowly and now recorded and polished over the past year represent Holland’s best work to date. “Best There Is” - An outpouring of love and devotion; a cry of truthful, unblinking confession delivered by Holland with crystal-clear intent – naked and unafraid. A backing wall of shimmering acoustic six-strings toughened by electric guitars and a rock beat mark this decidedly pop-sounding opener with an aggressive stance. “That’s How Much You Mean to Me” – Talking about aggressive, this selection ratchets up the power and pace significantly. Holland launches into full-on rock and roll mode with the electric guitars up front and loud. Even so, the message of devotion heard in the first track is still there, proudly shouted to the world! “Do About It” – The pounding, frenetic drumbeat in this turbo-charged vehicle presses in the nitrous button from the very first note, careening madly down a punk-rock drag strip. Yet, Holland sings above the throaty exhaust, extolling the virtue of surrender to turn even this flashy dragster into a love song. The in-your-face guitars and distortion are there to sear his message into your memory. “Soulless Man” – Holland adds some funk to the mix, but the guitars remain upfront to frame this plea for completion – a lost soul searching for the one who would pull him from his wreckage. Holland’s voice plays tag with those guitars and one of them lays into a solo that would make even the Edge smile. “Sound” – Holland wants to make the sound “that changes everything” and he seems to be on the right track. This groove pulses on distant guitars and keyboard burps and bleeps, heading to a good old-fashioned dancefloor breakdown with echoed voices and naked drums sustaining the beat. If the Cars had done this, it would have ended up on one of their albums! These five tracks are envisioned as the beginning of a new project for Shayne Holland. If they are considered an indication of the quality of that project (and why wouldn’t they be), we have something very exciting to look forward to! Carter Alan – 100.7 WZLX, Boston ”
“Shayne Holland’s latest release is an explosion of raw emotion. He Tackles global issues with passion and poetry set against a musical backdrop provided by an incredibly talented ensemble of young musicians. Working together Shayne Holland Band(SHB), provides a roller coaster ride for the senses full of hook-laden choruses and amazing vocal work. If you listen to music to be moved and uplifted by it’s positive message don’t miss this album! Chuck Perks-104.5 WXLO,Worcester ”
“Shayne Holland’s new effort “Supersonic Flight” is a Mach leap forward for this young rock singer from the Boston area. The title track leads off the album, establishing the firm and aggressive rock and roll stance of Holland’s backing band, which steadily supports, if not incites, him through the entire album. Indeed, with only limited time to record Supersonic Flight, the recording sessions fuel the album with an urgency that reflects Holland’s own passion, creating a focus that’s easy to hear and a raw energy that powers Holland’s songs, which are, without exception, among the best he’s ever written. “Down to Zero” rocks solid, “ a beautiful piano figure rallies the rhythm forward on “Make the Walls Come Down” and “Reborn” takes a smokier path with uninhibited lead guitar dancing all around Holland’s powerful vocal performance. For the first five tracks, guitars drive forward breathlessly, setting a pace with bass and drums that scarcely relax until Holland reaches the mid-tempo jewel called “Hands.” Located in the center of the album, this is the emotional centerpiece of the entire effort. Following that signpost, “Guide My Way” would sound comfortable on any Coldplay album, “In Your Name” channels the authentic bass/drum/chiming guitar rush of U2 and “Deep” ends the album inviting listeners into the firelight to sing along. At Holland’s CD release party in Boston, his band’s ease and agility freed Holland to truly take flight with the songs he had labored over in the studio which were being debuted in front of an audience for the first time. He joyously and confidently challenged the crowd, inviting sing-alongs, handclaps and shouting. Holland succeeds on Supersonic Flight in creating a thoroughly enjoyable rock and roll rush for any listener. Carter Alan- 100.7 WZLX, Boston ”