Local Single Release- “Kerosene” by Shadow Work

Photography by Amanda Castro.

“Lyrically, ‘Kerosene’ is a pressure cooker: born of the psychological rollercoaster that accompanies a manic state, it deals with the anxiety of perfectionism and the destructive nature of overexertion,” said bassist Joseph Szlanic of shadow work. Brooding effects and heart racing drums prepare the listener for the epic sonic ride that is ‘Kerosene.’ Szlanic’s baseline unleashes dark energy as synths paint the liminal picture of an obscure town. In classic shadow work style, energy builds sonically just to come crashing back down with heartbreaking force as the lyrics struggle forward.

Local psychedelic rock trio, shadow work, is known for raw intensity burning from each release and a deep love for performing live. Fresh off a tour through the Pacific North West, shadow work just released a new single titled, “Kerosene” on April 11.

“We felt the energy of Kerosene really matches the vibrant energy of the spring season, so it only felt right to release it now,” explained Szlanic. The group’s tender yet hardcore sound is an addictive and cathartic listen. With years of history playing and living together shadow work’s energy churns like a deep ocean wave and pulls each listener in with its emotional rip tide.

“The creation of ‘Kerosene’ started with an almost decade-old bass riff. It was an idea I always enjoyed, but never quite found a place for. Once we jammed on it, we knew we had something,” said Szlanic. “The composition materialized organically, but ‘Kerosene’ really came to life on stage. The collective energy of a live show really solidified the song as an energetic banger!”

However surprising it sounds, this is not uncommon for shadow work. The group often experiments with new work at live shows before releasing it online. This extra element of the live performance keeps fans coming back for the intimate connection built and the evolution that can be seen between the three musicians. Each release or experiment walks the listener through an era of the bandmate’s lives and the tangible feelings they each channel into their art.

“Kerosene” begins with a compression of the groups energy, bedazzled with faint echoing effects as anxiety and momentum builds, before its burning peak.

“In general, it’s very rewarding to add the auxiliary instrumentation, backing vocals, and colorful sounds to any song after laying down the primary tracks. I’m really enjoying how the synth layers complement Kerosene,” said Szlanic. “They add a great texture to the song (especially in the second verse). And there’s a satisfying pitch decay on the synth that keeps things feeling organic. We love the little details.”

Explosive percussion by Ben Zickau and heavy melody ballads between lead vocalist, Rafael Nava, and Szlanic’s bass lines are key elements to every shadow work track. Nava’s voice holds a lifetime of emotion in each note and his ambitious tones are matched quickly by Zickau and Szlanic’s instrumental skills.

This trio’s impressive passion for their art, flows through each heartfelt project and keeps them touring as an independent band. Developing an audience in Europe, shadow work completed a lengthy tour in 2024 and are returning to Hamburg for a show on June 15. Despite the worldly adventures their love for Denver holds strong.

“Kerosene” is the last single release before the next shadow work album. The band is excited to head to Boston this October and work with John Scott of Phoenix Down Recording, who may know from his work with Crumb. Stay tuned to dive into their full discography and prepare for the album drop or catch their next live show.