Former Atlas vocalist Sean Cunningham returns to these shores with Whatever That Is, the eponymously titled debut single from the forthcoming album. Nashville, Tennessee based Sean has been quite the journeyman throughout his stellar career, and now he’s bringing us his own take on all things earthly. Or otherwise.

With a timbre somewhat comparable (to me) to David Gray, Sean is perfectly suited to indie rock, ballads, and everything in between and on either side. This is a delicate and personal number Sean wrote together with his friend and cohort Christian Trich. We got our recording and mix done by Joey Liechty at Nashville’s Pantry Studio, and following that it went over to happy, happy Finland for mastering by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios. Kiitos to Mika, great work. So desolate yet warm, melancholic and yet vibrant and breathing.

I’ve been to Finland many years ago, and ended one Saturday night busking on a step in front of a shop in the town centre where I was staying; big shout out to the beautiful town of Lohja and the city of Turku. A crowd gathered round me and the chap I’d accosted the guitar and limelight from, and they showed me just how lovely, friendly, welcoming and fun loving Finns are. Anyway! I digress.

I’m told the video is on the way so I will post a review of that when it’s available. Meanwhile, the audio is out now, and definitely worth the time and effort. If you know Sean Cunningham, you will quite rightly expect greatness – and he doesn’t disappoint. A beautiful, gentle melody with that easily recognised voice. What’s it about, I hear the legions of subscribers holler. From the EPK, Sean can tell us he was in conversation with his Dad before he passed: “talking about how strange it is to be getting older, while still feeling like a kid. Still looking through the same eyes, thinking the same thoughts, making the same mistakes and just doing the best we can… ‘Whatever That Is’.”

This can fit in on rock radio as well as the commercial pop and regional ones, so I certainly expect to hear a lot of air filled with this number. When I see the vid I will opine humbly and based on the audio, I am certain you will see it via the You Tubes in no time at all. It’s on Spotify now, and if you’re a fan of the indie side of the big ballad, with that more rootsy, less big lights and big egos kinda thing, you’ll enjoy this.

Whenever an artist bares their soul, and writes something from as deep within their heart as Sean Cunningham has here, it matters. It matters to listen to the lyrics. These are poignant. As a Human, when the lyrics of another Human touches you somewhere, a connection has been made, albeit intangibly as far as physicality goes, but… it’s still been made. This is why music is such a gift from Humanity to itself, and should always be celebrated, listened to, supported and shared.

Support Sean as he embarks on his latest project. If the album is as good as this gorgeous tune, we’re in for a belter.