New Black Shades are a five piece rock group from Newcastle, Australia. Formed in early 2012, the band was said to be named after their love of the coastal lifestyle and having fun in the sun. They describe their sound as 1 splash of Santana, 1 nip of Jack Johnson, and a squeeze of Red Hot Chili Peppers. With their newest single, “Beyond Words,” you’ll be inclined to grab that drink and saddle up at a New Black Shades show to catch some good times and groovy vibes. Their 2013 EP, Summer Days, was a big splash for the band, spawning the hit video of the same name and earning the band spots alongside artists like Sticky Fingers, Kingswood, Benjalu, and others. The EP made waves at Australian, UK and American radio, and set the path for their next offering, recorded at The Grove Studios Central Coast NSW with producer/engineer Darren “Jenk” Jenkins (The Roxy Theatre Hollywood CA and The Viper Room, Steel Panther and Shinobi) and mixer Scott Horcroft (Silverchair, Birds of Tokyo, The Presets). The first offering, “Beyond Words,” begins with frontman Rick Shades stating up front “This is a love song.” Make no mistake, this song has one purpose, to express a deep love and appreciation for a very special girl. It narrates the emotional exuberance happening in the moments leading up to popping the big question to that special. A fancy restaurant, a walk in the park and a serenade by the gifted New Black Shades (also disguising themselves as a mariachi band) all create the perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening and night in their lives.