Shark Speed
Sea Sick Music (self-released)
Release Date: May 12, 2009
1. Cast Off Dance Off (mp3)
2. I’m A Machine
3. Freddy
4. Battle Born (mp3)
5. Seaguls
6. And Your In The Band?
7. Deep South Detox
8. Man Of Sass
9. Sea Sick
10. Ten to Twenty Years
Sea Sick Music begins inconspicuously enough as a silky smooth horn glides over a steady drum beat. 30 seconds later though, Shark Speed kicks it up a notch; the rhythms pulse and quicken while nimble, intricate guitar work and an engaging melody foreshadow ten charming, infinitely catchy and undeniably kinetic songs. Fast forward 37 minutes and there’s absolutely no doubt that this Utah-based quartet has written a stellar debut. It traverses laid-back midwestern emo and jangly indie pop territory, makes a few welcomed stops in math rock land while even passing through stretches of dance-infused electronica…and then wraps it all up in warm (vaguely British-sounding) vocals.
Identity crisis, or just a band with a lot of ideas? One reviewer actually wrote “Franz Ferdinand mixed with The Appleseed Cast,” while others have compared Shark Speed to Minus The Bear, Ra Ra Riot and American Football. I’d be inclined to agree if it didn’t all blend together so uniquely and with such an easy, carefree confidence. Sea Sick Music is the type of record that impresses with its musicianship, technicality and forward-thinking concepts. More importantly, it captures our hearts with its earnestness, energy and a nostalgic nod toward history. Taking cues from your peers and predecessors – especially the great ones – is never a bad thing, but only if you can shape it into something all your own. Shark Speed does exactly that, and does it with poise and aplomb.
Of course, sometimes it just helps to simply write amazing songs. Forget influences – Sea Sick Music is overflowing with wonderfully tangled chords, jumpy bass lines, summersaulting beats and vocals that easily hit all the highs, yet show restraint when asked. Unexpected electronic flourishes and touches of brass keep the audience intrigued, but the unforgettable melodies and hook-filled choruses are the real show stoppers. For a debut album – for any album – Sea Sick Music is incredibly accomplished and varied, not to mention fun and completely entertaining.
Sea Sick Music was recorded and produced by Pollen’s Bob Hoag (The Ataris, Dear And The Headlights, The Format, Scary Kids Scaring Kids) at Flying Blanket Recording in Mesa, AZ. The album will be self-released by the band on May 12, 2009. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/sharkspeedrawks.
Press Contact: Chuck Daley / Beartrap PR / chuck@beartrappr.com / (704) 649-7128
