Garage rock has seen quite a revival since the past few years. Since Jack White hung his boots and moved to The Raconteurs, the blissful blues that bloomed have been since forgotten. We got another reminder with The Black Keys this year. Now we have The Shook, and they’re riding the blues chevy, no holds barred. The album is called Hermetic Revelry.
Which is ironic, and hence much more fun to listen to. If blues lyrics and songs get complicated, I fold my cards. Fortunately, The Shook shake up the mix, bringing back blues swing and rides with that sweet and spicy flavor that belongs.
Fresh old garage blues rock-reprised
Starting with Easy, we’re given a warm introduction that gradually turns hot. Benjamin Stephenson takes center stage with his pure blues riffs, with that dirty mix of garage/grunge rock energy. Andrew Newville carries that Dan Auerbach energy and gets the job done with the style that blues demand. Derek Keller on bass and Brandon Billings go on in full rhythm, making the chemistry almost palpable through audio.
Change track to Return of the Sun and you have a problem on your hands. The White Stripes fueled fire is heard within seconds, raising the bar for the blues rock scenes. A great ode to AC/DC riffs as well, the track is bleeding with it. Great solo section by Stephenson as well, the psychedelic switch really does wonders for the track.
Changing tempo-and feel
With Jimmy Page’s Ramble On section but with the electric guitar pushing through the fabric, Dreamers Disease shapes the album. It might be the penultimate song in the track, but has the pace to close it and lyrics that open your eyes. Like a drug being written into your body through a song. I would have preferred an additional verse because the riff is so much fun to listen to, but the solo seems to break the repetition.
One of the most dangerous things to do is name your track Fire. After Jimi Hendrix’s song of the same name has changed the very nature of electric guitar, you better hope you have magic prepared. Stephenson doesn’t have to worry; the energy explodes through in the opening riff itself. The crescendo between the tracks to give a roller coaster feel is a great technique. Almost makes you feel it opens and closes on a high. I wouldn’t have minded another riff within Fire to balance between the bridge parts. The guitar and bass accompanying to make a stylish outro was another great part of the song.
This album is an energetic exposition from a group of talented musicians who have a lot to offer, and a lot to explore. It is a mature production for a fresh band like this, and can switch up the garage rock genre. It’s clear to say I’m shook, let’s see if you are too:
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Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Self professed metalhead, moderately well read. If the music has soul, it's whole to me. The fact that my bio could have ended on a rhyme and doesn't should tell you a lot about my personality.
