My first thought? Shark Speed sounds like The Long Winters…mixed with Mouse Fire…? There is a pop sensibility that hides behind all of the dancey, jazz inspired grooves. And the phrasing of the vocals is very similar to John Roderick’s; most of the vocal rhythms mimic the rhythms of the songs, usually making for a more unique experience. The occasional use of drum machines and lo-fi electronics reminds me a bit of Kid, You’ll Move Mountains. The problem is, I’m becoming a tired of all the Minus the Bear rip-offs and these guys are definitely taking a page from that book. But while Mouse Fire can literally sound like b-sides from Planet of Ice, on Seasick Music, Shark Speed manages to at least infuse a bit more bar rock and some interesting arrangements into their overall sound…though, sadly, it’s still a sound that’s been done before.
These guys sound their best when they keep it simple. “Battle Born” grabs and keeps my attention with it’s impassioned vocals and urgent rock feel. It sounds like a shinier, more complex Henry Clay People, which is a great thing. Like taking the moody smoothness of The Smiths and combining it with The Replacements.
The problem with these bands usually lies in the vocalist and such is the case here. Shark Speed need a distinctive voice in order to stand out from the pack but they just don’t have it. The Smiths had Morrissey, The Replacements had Paul Westerberg, and Shark Speed have that guy at the mic. Maybe a bit harsh, but while the vocals are competent and the delivery on point, the overall tone is a bit forgettable, which is unfortunate. If they don’t need a new singer, they need a new approach to the vocal melodies, whether it be denser arrangements or a bit more call-and-response…I don’t know, but something there needs to be switched up. Fix that, and you have a killer band, but until then, it’s another band that sounds like other bands.
Label: Self-Released
Cast Off Dance Off
01%20Cast%20Off%20Dance%20Off.mp3
Battle Born
04%20Battle%20Born.mp3
