SHANAKEE Hit Hard With Debut Release 'This Town'

Released as their debut single in early 2026 "This Town" serves as the bold opening statement from London/Lancing-based newcomers Shanakee. Formed through an Instagram connection—Niall reaching out to Jacob for artwork, only for Jacob to join the band—the group wastes no time diving into themes that feel urgently contemporary yet timelessly relatable.

At its core, "This Town" is a raw, unflinching look at youthful disillusionment: the grind of soul-draining jobs, societal expectations that weigh heavy on the young, and the quiet rebellion of recognizing it all for what it is. As Niall described in  a recent interview, it's "all about being young and the pressures that society puts on you, working jobs that suck the life out of you to make a living, that kinda thing."

The lyrics land with straightforward honesty—no flowery metaphors needed when the frustration is this palpable. Musically, Shanakee channels a modern indie-rock energy with enough bite to keep things dynamic. Expect driving guitars, a punchy rhythm section, and vocals that shift between introspective verses and an anthemic chorus that begs to be shouted along to in a car or at a small venue. It's not overly polished, which works in its favour; the rough edges mirror the song's subject matter, giving it an authentic, lived-in feel rather than something overly produced for radio play.

What stands out most is the song's relatability—especially for anyone who's ever felt trapped in the cycle of "making it work" while wondering if this is all there is. The track captures that mix of anger and resignation without tipping into despair, leaving room for a spark of defiance. It's the kind of debut that promises more: Shanakee sound like a band with stories to tell and the chops to tell them compellingly.

If there's a minor critique, it's that the single clocks in concise and focused—perfect for an introduction, but it leaves you hungry for the fuller exploration an EP or album might bring. Still, as a first impression, "This Town" hits hard and sticks around.

A promising, punchy debut single that nails millennial/Gen-Z ennui with heart and hooks. Shanakee are ones to watch—here's hoping the rest of their output builds on this strong foundation.