Review: The Shyning Make a Strong First Impression with ‘Falling’

by Scott Roos

band photo courtesy of The Shyning

Our Grade: A

With their debut single “Falling,” Prince Albert hard-rock outfit The Shyning come out of the gate with a track that’s confident, polished, and deeply rooted in the traditions of pre-digital rock. What immediately stands out is the production - this is a mix that feels big, warm, and undeniably professional. Everything sits exactly where it should, which gives the song an instant radio-ready sheen.

Chris McDonald’s vocal performance is the emotional anchor of the track. His naturally gruff tone gives the verses an edge, and he pushes his range just enough to build tension without ever losing control. When the chorus hits, the song opens up with a hook that’s both catchy and familiar in the best way - something that could sit comfortably alongside modern hard-rock playlists or classic-leaning rock radio. A tight, cleverly layered vocal harmony in the bridge sets the stage nicely for what comes next.

That “what comes next” is Kelly Kawula’s guitar work, which is refreshingly restrained. In an era when guitarists sometimes feel compelled to overplay, Kawula opts for atmosphere and melody. The main riff is simple but effective - lean, moody, and full of that throwback hard-rock character that defines the band’s overall aesthetic. The guitar solo is where Kawula really shines: melodic, thoughtful, built on bent and held notes rather than flash. You get the sense he could shred if he wanted to, but he’s serving the song instead. The result is a solo that sticks with you. It's memorable and effective.

Stylistically, “Falling” draws from several eras of heavy music without sounding derivative. There’s a hint of late-70s/early-80s Canadian radio rock - think Harlequin without the keyboards - blended with touches of ’90s alt-rock grit and even a bit of early-2000s active-rock weight. It’s a hybrid that feels familiar yet fresh, nostalgic yet contemporary. The Shyning clearly know the lineage they’re tapping into, and they’re doing so with intention rather than imitation.

As a debut, “Falling” is a strong statement of identity: soulful, muscular, melodic rock delivered with sincerity and craftsmanship. It’s the kind of track that hints at a band with plenty more in the tank.

Formed in 2023, The Shyning features McDonald on vocals, Kawula on guitar and vocals, Arthur Ashdown on bass and vocals, and Kenny Kuzniar on drums. The band is currently working on a full album of original material, with “Falling” - recorded at Facca Audio in Saskatoon—serving as their official introduction to the world. The track is available now across all major platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

With shows coming up at The Black Rose Whiskey Club in Saskatoon (Nov. 22), the Snowden Bar (Dec. 26), and The River in Nipawin (Dec. 31), The Shyning are poised to bring their soulful, classic-leaning hard-rock sound to more listeners. If “Falling” is any indication, they’re a band worth keeping an eye on.