Inside SHeeSH's nifty plastic case is an insert that says "Long Live Corporate Rock." It's funny because this is anything but that. These youngsters play authentic garage alterna-grunge punk(!), the authentic part being no surprise since they're on the Grrr label (which is home to some of the most authentic bands out there--Rez, Crashdog, The Crossing, etc.).
Although SHeeSH breaks no new ground musically and most of their tricks have been used before, they're still a breath of fresh air. Why? Because they sound like three street kids who were playing around with their instruments in the basement and accidentally stumbled upon some really catchy tunes (just like Nirvana did). You'll find it all here--thick bass intros, scrappy distortion, mellow strumming, acoustic stuff, wah leads, impassioned vocals, and real-life lyrics. Faves would be "Milk Carton Children" (about child-kidnapping), "Sad" (a mournful ballad), "Like a Dog" (an alternating light/heavy romp), and "We Have Arrived" (a 'teen power' anthem), although I like pretty much every song on the album. The production captures some very raw, live tones while remaining crisp, pleasantly avoiding both corporate over-production and indie sloppiness. Don't miss the delayed hidden track at the end, which is actually a demo track by another band, Trespassers William. It's a cool late 60's/early 70's-sounding rock tune.
I was ready to tear this project apart because of the name, but they surprised me by doing a really good job. Will it be enough to overcome the fact that they're a few years too late with this style of music? I hope so.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
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