Ready for some Shenanygans?

Shenanygans were founded in early 2023 by Irish brothers Dan and Kaylem Hannon-Barry, two Irish singers, songwriters and guitarists, and Luki Hellmann, a Swiss-Polish bassist, singer and songwriter. On the drums they were joined by their friend, Swiss based multi-instrumentalist Tom Brunner.

Now based in Solothurn, Switzerland, the band soon started writing and recording music together in Luki’s tiny studio in his uncle’s garage in autumn and winter of 2023.

For their debut album “On Monte Verita” they could draw on a vast repertoire of songs which had accumulated during previous years.

The album was inspired by the Swiss commune of the same name, which in the early 20th century attracted many famous artists and thinkers and laid foundations for an alternative life style and for ideals which resonated in the hippie movement of the later 60s.

Shenanygans’ songs are influenced by a variety of artists. Throughout the album one can hear influences of modern Indie Rock and Indie Pop, alternating with Power Pop ballads influenced by the likes of The Beach Boys, influences of Irish folk music and a love for elaborate lyrics.

While their sound certainly is influenced by the location the music was recorded in (the aforementioned garage, hello Garage Rock), the album still strikes in its diversity as a well-balanced mix between vintage and contemporary sounds.

On the album there are sweet melodies and nostalgic lyrics such as from their first single “Count on Me” about a lost friendship which lingers on as well as furious garage rockers such as “Nothing Was Given To You”. “I Believe In You” sounds like a modern Indie Pop anthem influenced by the likes of Blur, Lou Reed and Bob Dylan, while their second single “All The Trippin’ Around” is a straight and upbeat Indie Rock song about touring as a musician.

While awaiting the release of their debut album Shenanygans are busy writing new songs and playing concerts, which will later this year bring them to a range of European countries as well as Japan. Stay tuned as Shenanygans are here to stay!