Saint John dream-pop trio Sheik have just released their first single since the departure of their bassist. Coincidently, “Alone In The Dark” is all about the challenges of a new relationship.
Following the departure of bassist William Savage for the Yukon, the track sees Kortni Nicols of Lionsault stepping into the role.
“Our old bassist moved to Yukon. He used to play in other bands, too, so when he was double booked, Kortni would fill in with us,” says guitarist and vocalist Colin Ferris. “Eventually it became more permanent over time instead of just filling in. So, in the studio, it was just me and Lorne and she did some vocals on the recordings, but she is also now our bassist.”
Ferris explains that the change in the band’s line-up is so fresh that the band explain they still haven’t had time to reshoot their photos.
“At the time it seemed we would have a revolving door of bassists stepping in, but now it’s Kortni as our main player, and we will fill in her shoes for days when she has proper commitments.”
Recorded with Adam Dincorn of Undertone in Saint John, “Alone in the Dark“ was one of the first songs written following the completion of the band’s first EP, Go Away From Yourself, in the Fall of 2016.
“It represents the beginning of a new relationship and the pain that a great distance between two people will cause. It’s about a person who used to survive off of himself and despised the idea of latching onto another person,” says Ferris. “You get used to being alone. Then you meet someone and fall in love again and in doing that, you give up some of the views you once believed in.”
“The chorus lyrics specifically refer to this change: ‘The thought of me alone simply will not do. I want to be alone in the dark with you.’
Where comfort was once found alone in the dark, it becomes a feeling of emptiness when you know there is someone you want to be with, and it becomes more and more hollow when there is distance large enough to keep you apart. You could stand in a crowd of a thousand people and feel so alone and isolated when you know you miss someone.
“I believe the song represents gain and sacrifice. In this case, you sacrifice your old ways to gain love and fulfillment. But through love comes ups and downs so you have to knowingly accept that some of the lowest lows may be to come.”
Ferris says that, more than anything, “Alone In The Dark“ is still definitely a love song, but love in realistic terms; it’s about what you’re willing to give for it to endure.
“It isn’t about the joy or happiness it brings. [It’s about] the difficult situations and painful obstacles that seem as if they try to keep you down.”