Sheik share a new track from their upcoming EP

‘Why’ is a ten-minute psych-pop collaborative odyssey featuring synth work by Property//’s Charlie Harding.

Matt Carter

Saint John’s Sheik have a new EP in the works. Earlier this week the group shared the opening track, Stoned, generously donating the proceeds in support of Saint John community/campus radio station Local 107.3 FM’s annual fundraiser. And now to close the week off, they’re putting another track into the wilds of the internet.

No strangers to lengthy tracks (have a listen to their 2017 single Drive – a 12 minute journey through psych-pop/ambient territory), the band have today released the track Why, another lengthy challenge to familiar song structures. Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, the track features contributions from devout synth geek and Property// founder Charlie Harding.

“I asked Charlie to be involved specifically for the big bridge in the song,” said Sheik guitarist Colin Ferris. “I went into the studio and just let my delay pedals oscillate through a bunch of reverb and by the time I was done, I wanted some dreamy layers of synth added, and being familiar with Charlie’s work with Property// he seemed like a perfect fit.”

<a href="http://legendofsheik.bandcamp.com/track/why">Why by Sheik</a>

The idea of incorporating a lengthy mid-song synth-break has been something Ferris has wanted to try for a while now. Despite being one of the group’s longest tracks to date, the idea has definitely proven successful. Why moves along with constant momentum, never once lacking in drive or intent.

“We actually did this collaboration a few months ago,” said Ferris. “I’ve wanted to do a song that included a long instrumental break like this and am very happy with how it came out. No vocals during it, no drums, no bass, just synth and guitar and it came out lovely.

“Lyrically, the song is about that voice of doubt in your head,” said Ferris. “It’s not the voice you want to listen to, but sometimes it talks the loudest. I don’t know how to publicly speak about mental health that well, but don’t be afraid to reach out to someone if you’re going through something.”

The track will be included on the band’s upcoming release. No release has been announced.