Inwards, the alias of Kristian Shelley, a multi-talented UK-based multi-instrumentalist and modular synth programmer, has recently unveiled his latest excellent release, Leavin. His music is characterized by its experimental nature, drawing inspiration from the outer fringes of dance music and incorporating modular synthesizers, electronic, and acoustic sources to create a vivid and colorful sonic palette.
Inwards' tracks are emotive and deeply personal, born out of a desire to convey feelings and experiences that go beyond language. Through his music, Shelley creates intense snapshots of his inner world, which is also shaped by the rural surroundings of his home studio.
One of the most striking aspects of Inwards' work is the freedom and spontaneity with which he approaches his studio productions and live performances. Each live show is a unique experience, with Shelley manipulating his electronic instruments to create organic and evolving soundscapes that respond to the specific performance environment. His captivating performances are often accompanied by live visuals, enhancing the immersive experience for audiences.
Inwards has gained a reputation for his absorbing live shows and has shared the stage with some of the most exciting names in music, including Forest Swords, Lapalux, Adam Betts (Three Trapped Tigers), Tyondai Braxton (Battles), and Ulrich Schnauss. He has also played at several festivals, such as The Great Escape and Brighton Digital Festival.
Review by Thomas Imposter