Shearling Members, Gear & Sound

Shearling is an innovative American post-rock and noise rock band, emerging as a spiritual successor to the now-defunct group Sprain. The band was formed by the collaborative force of Alexander Kent (guitar) and Sylvie Simmons (guitar), who have been working together for over a decade. They are joined by Andrew Chanover (percussion), Wesley Nelson (bass), and Elizabeth Carver (keyboard). Known for their orchestral approach and intense sonic explorations, Shearling made a bold statement with their debut release, Motherfucker, I am Both: “Amen” and “Hallelujah”, which features a single, hour-plus long song, showcasing their commitment to an uncompromising artistic ethos.

Shearling's sound is a mosaic of intense, layered guitar textures and ambient noise, characterized by the interplay of ethereal melodies and dissonant harmonics. Their music often combines collagist soundscapes with a dynamic range that shifts from meditative calm to explosive crescendos. The use of effects like the MASF Possessed delay pedal by Sylvie Simmons and the Electronic Audio Experiments Longsword overdrive by Alexander Kent contributes to their vast, immersive sound. Elizabeth Carver's utilization of the Chamberlin The M4000D Digital Mellotron adds a rich, orchestral layer, giving their compositions a haunting, otherworldly quality. This blend of organic and electronic elements results in a compelling fusion that defines Shearling’s bold and expansive sonic identity.