Shel

The indie folk quartet SHEL, formed in Colorado by the four virtuosic Holbrook sisters Sarah, Hannah, Eva, and Liza whose first names supply the band’s acronym, merges folk, rock, Celtic, pop, and a broad spectrum of additional influences into a distinctive sound. Early artistic growth occurred under the direction of their mother, an artist, and their father, singer/songwriter Andrew Holbrook. Before striking out alone in 2005, the sisters performed in a family band alongside their father. Although every member ranks as a skilled multi-instrumentalist, the central arrangement places Sarah on violin, Hannah on keyboards, Eva on mandolin, and Liza on drums, with Eva handling lead vocals while collective harmonies form a central element of their style. Several independent EPs appeared in the late 2000s during tours of the folk festival circuit and ongoing refinement of their material. A 2010 contract with Republic Nashville suggested expanded visibility, yet the group grew restless under conventional industry constraints, so no recordings from that arrangement reached the public. Operating independently once more, they delivered their self-titled debut LP in 2012. Songs from that album secured placements on the ABC programs On the Rise and The Fosters along with various major commercials. In addition to their musical roles, the sisters divide the band’s operational duties, managing fashion, graphics, and self-direction of all videos. Their autonomous outlook yielded consistent results, although they remained open to outside assistance. Working with legendary producer Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, they headed to Nashville to cut the follow-up album Just Crazy Enough, issued in 2016.