sharks - No Gods

Sharks - No Gods

Given this is my return to the blog it is perhaps only appropriate that I begin again with a review of what is probably the best band to come out of leamington Spa in recent years (ever?!?!)

The first thing that strikes you about the album is that from the outset it is more polished, crisper and produced in comparison to the various EPs etc before which is to be expected. Admittedly this may not be so much in the punk rock  ethic but the fact is the band have moved on and grown.

First track Til the Wonder rise is a good calling to arms opener with a more "classic rock" style guitar solo and this moves in to the opening single Arcane Effigies with its now familiar  "Rudy Rudy" Chorus. The song perhaps hints at the bands Leam/Cov roots where there is a ska influence in that refrain (although on the negative side I cant stop it reminding me of that bloody irritating kaiser Chiefs song with Ruby in it!!)

The CD then starts to warm up to the bands more 'pop' sound (I am using that in a positive sense). Able moving hearts has a summer/wistful sound to it and provides a good build up to "on a clear day.." which in my opinion is pop punk gold. To be honest the opening chugging guitars remind me of a status quo song BUT this song is great. I can imagine that some of the old shark true?!?! punk fans might not be so impressed but I don't think you can beat a song with a few woaah, woaahs and a good chorus. Maybe its not punk rock but there is no shame in writing a genuinely enjoyable song.
This up beat spirit continues with Matthews Baby which perhaps stays more loyal to the punk spirit. This is punk pop of the quality side of the kind the Menzingers play rather than Sum 41 joke punk pop. The guitar solo also shows that the guitarist was taking notes during their support slots with the Gaslight Anthem

This joyous spirit hits a pinnacle with another single Patient Spider. I love the opening trumpets and the lyrics/imagery is certainly something different! There is a great live and let live/peace message throughout the song. This really is the song which should have given the Sharks true cross over appeal.

The next two songs gives the listener a time to calm down and come back to earth. Again you can hear the influences of their previous touring partners Gaslight Anthem. They are both songs which have a hint of American rock influence and could be heard on the radio over there but sadly not likely in the UK.

The song 'What entails" is really the one which bridges perfectly the gap between the Sharks of "joys of living"era to the current one. Its the first to have that overly clash sound i.e. the hint of ska and pop sensibilities behind the punk sound that they achieved. Previous criticisms have been made that they show their clash influences too much and therefore this highlights how the rest of the album reflects how the band have developed.

"Luck" is the next single and is like the brother of patient spider -its got the woaahs and serious cross over potential. If there was any justice this is the song which will be picked up by Radio 1 as their token "rock' song and give the band the exposure they deserve.

The CD concludes with the title track "No gods" which is unusual and this is a really strong end to the album. Its built on a swaggering guitar riff and like the opener is another call to arms.

So overall I reckon this album marks a real progression for the band. Yeah sure they have lost some of that DIY punk sound from the earlier stuff but it is replaced by an increased confidence in their songwriting. Is there a sense of reaching out for more mainstream success - well yes but whats wrong with that. This is a album full of great songs which (if we'd had one), would have provided the perfect summer soundtrack.

Mr mojo risin

Ok first things first, an apology and an explanation
To say I have been a bit slack in updating this blog is an understatement to say the least. Although when I finally looked back and realised I hadn't posted since last November it was a bit of a shock to say the least!!
Anyhow there are lots of reasons and excuses including changing jobs and just being busy and lazy but no one wants to hear that.

Important thing is I am back and whilst there are a few reviews I want to catch up on it will be more a case of onwards and upwards rather than trying to catch up!

I have quite a few ideas to increase the scope and circulation of the blog so hopefully that will force me in to more frequent updates.

Anyhow sorry again but we're back!!