REVIEW: Defences - Shadowlight

Defences’ third and latest release, ‘Shadowlight,’ marks an exciting step in the band’s journey, their debut with Long Branch Records. Formed in Hertfordshire, UK, Defences blend atmospheric soundscapes with fierce, gripping riffs, creating a space where tension meets release. With each track echoing themes of personal challenges and resilience, the album invites listeners to fully immerse themselves - especially through headphones, where its layered production delivers a truly cinematic experience.

The album opens with ‘The Curse,’ which evolves from an eerie, resonant synth into a powerful drop, expressing the relentless stress of facing life’s battles. Whispered wording in the bridge showcases the exhaustion of repetitive struggles, “we work so hard just to get left in the dark, just to do it all over again”. This notion of endurance underpins much of the album, drawing the audience deeper with each song.

In ‘Gold In The Dark,’ Defences confront their trauma head-on. This isn’t just a song; it’s a reckoning with the burdens that many bear. “Did I deserve this? Am I worthless?” screams keyboardist and vocalist William Young through layers of sound, making ‘Gold In The Dark’ feel like a visceral confrontation of self-doubt. The track’s intense build-ups and punishing breakdown mirror the chaos of battling these dark thoughts.

'Perish' wastes no time. One breath, one rasped word: “Perish”. Then, everything erupts - gritty riffs, ethereal vocals, and a thunderstorm of sound. Featuring lines like “I'm thinking it's time I made friends with my shadow”, the song explores accepting inner demons and healing, while panning effects add mesmerizing depth, creating a vivid aural landscape.

‘Ego(Maniac)’ is dynamic and fast-paced, propelling listeners forward with snapping drums and vibrant keys, before closing with a sombre piano and static crackle that lingers. The line, “no escape, I’m making you take a look in the mirror”, adds to the intensity of the mood, leaving a haunting sense of unease.

In contrast, ‘Silence & The Sound’ explores growth, with tranquil verses and a chorus that opens like a breath of fresh air. Imagery of colours changing with the setting sun and birds singing at the end offer a serene moment of calm, reinforcing the album’s message of finding beauty and inspiration in difficult moments. With powerful lyrics about dealing with change, ‘Breathe It In’ moves into acceptance, rising through pulsating synths to the cathartic line, “just gotta breathe it in”. It’s a journey of release, portraying the dual strength of both letting go and holding on.

‘Inspirit’ shifts into a more serene, ambient soundscape that captures the essence of loss and grief. With hard-hitting phrases like “the space you left feels so heavy,” that reflect on pain and recovery, reminding listeners that “time will heal.” This beautiful piece resonates deeply, inviting contemplation and solace in the face of sorrow. The struggle of striving without reaching the finish line is vividly portrayed in ‘The Almost’, underscored by the compelling line, “don’t want a lifetime of living in the almost”. The song expresses frustration in a “perpetual race”, and features an electrifying breakdown, before shifting back to a driving bass, encapsulating the difficulties faced with the tenacious pursuit of success.

With melodic guitar riffs and lyrics reflecting life’s fleeting moments, 'Greatness' is a powerful reminder that “nothing is permanent”. A dissonant second verse creates a feeling of restlessness, building to the bold line, “this too shall pass, live for now, can’t get it back”, encouraging embracing the present. The track’s flowing outro echoes “get it back”, which leaves a lasting sense of hope.

The entire album has been building up to the final track, navigating a path of life’s difficulties, overcoming challenges, and personal development. ‘Shadowlight’ beautifully embodies this evolution, exploring the transition from comfort in darkness to an embrace of the light. It illustrates the profound experience of shedding self-doubt and achieving comfort in personal identity, and declaring, “I’m done hiding from my own shadow”.

Defences have crafted a rollercoaster of sound with their album ‘Shadowlight’, which stands as a testament to their artistic growth and resilience. The seamless transition between ambient reflection and dominant riffs creates an immersive experience that concludes with an empowering message. Defences not only deliver a compelling collection of songs but also invite listeners to join them on a journey of transformation, making ‘Shadowlight’ an album that lingers long after the final notes fade away.

'Shadowlight' will be released on November 8th via Long Branch Records.

You can catch Defences at their album release show on November 9th at the Camden Assembly in London!

Words: Beth Oakley

Photo: Fordtography