Shawn Hewitt & the National Strike

Former "Fans Choice” recipient Shawn Hewitt returned to NXNE stages with a newly formed backing band and a far more abrasive sound for what was a potent preview of cuts from his upcoming full-length release. Dressed in ’60s soul man garb, Hewitt entered the stage to the sounds of fanciful Oz classic "If I Only Had A Heart” before bathing the room in unconventional broken beat patterns, murky synths, grinding guitars, and his own charismatic flare. From there it was a steady mix of progressive rock themes tempered by more forgiving pop ideals, as the singer bounced from guitar to keys and back again in consummate performer pose.