Geist feels like a window - or a mirror - into possibilities of the self and beyond. Shannon Lay's new album is tender intensity, placeless and ethereal. It exists in the chasms of the present - a world populated by shadow selves, spiritual awakenings, déjà vu, and past lives."Something sleeps inside us," Lay insists on the opening track, and that's the guiding philosophy throughout. A winding, golden, delicate thread of intuition that explores the unknown, the possibility. It's title, Geist, the German word for spirit, is rife with an otherworldly presence, the suggestion of another. The promise that you are never alone.Lay tracked vocals and guitar at Jarvis Tavinere of Woods's studio, then sent the songs out to multi-instrumentalists Ben Boye (Bonnie Prince Billy, Ty Segall) in Los Angeles and Devin Hoff (Sharon Van Etten, Cibo Matto) in New York; trusting their musical instincts and intuition. She then sent those recordings to Sofia Arreguin (Wand) and Aaron Otheim (Heatwarmer, Mega Bog) for additional keys, while Ty Segall contributed a guitar solo on "Shores." As a whole, Geist is both esoteric and accessible. Songs range from a concise, pared-back cover of Syd Barrett's tilt-a-whirl-esque "Late Night," to the meditative Dune-inspired "Rare to Wake," to the mostly a-cappella "Awaken and Allow," which channels Lay's deep Irish roots, a moment of reflection, before a drop happens - it's intensity mirroring the anticipation and anxiety that come with taking the first step to accepting change for yourself.And the title track "Geist," a song about the power living in all of us, is a love song to the possibility of healing, an ode to falling into the arms of what you're becoming. It's a glimpse into the parts of yourself you have yet to meet. But you can, if you want to.
Release date:
November 5, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Simple Minds Once Upon A Time
A&M
October 17, 2025 -
Wavves Spun
Many Hats Dist
October 3, 2025 -
Max Richter SLEEP CIRCLE [3xLP]
Deutsche Grammophon
September 5, 2025 -
Black Lips Season of the Peach (Cream)
Fire Records
September 19, 2025 -
NewDad Altar
Atlantic
September 19, 2025 -
Mappe Of Afterglades
Paper Bag Records
September 19, 2025 -
Dido No Angel (Deluxe Package)
Legacy Recordings
September 19, 2025 -
AJR Living Room (Bone/Black Splatter)
Bmg
October 24, 2025 -
Unprocessed Angel
Unprocessed
October 31, 2025 -
Joshua Hedley All Hat
New West Records
October 24, 2025 -
Hail The Sun cut. turn. fade. back.
Equal Vision Records
October 31, 2025 -
RM (BTS) Right Place, Wrong Person
BIGHIT Music
September 5, 2025 -
Asher White 8 Tips for Catastrophe Living (Pink)
Joyful Noise Records
September 12, 2025 -
Thin Lizzy Live And Dangerous (Metallic Silver) [2xLP]
Friday Music Two
October 31, 2025