Evacuate / Disintegrate,
ShurikenI've got a real soft spot for Shuriken - not only are they from round my way, but on the occasions I've met them they've been really good guys who put on a good live show. On the basis of their last EP, 'Surrender Is Not An Option', it seemed the plaudits they had gained for their lego antics in Kerrang were beginning to be justified for the right reasons. Fast forward a year and the Scunny lads have a new EP out on YAWA Records. Complete with some of the glossiest artwork I've ever seen and extra bonus videos and CD-ROM material, this really looks the part. But...
Sadly there's a but. Whereas on their last record the Shuriken lads had seemingly nailed a Saves The Day meets The Get Up Kids in full flow style, 'Evacuate / Disintegrate' seems like a small backward step. Don't get me wrong, this is still a decent record, but while I can still pull out their last record and sing along in the car a full year after receiving a copy, I cannot do it this time round. Maybe it's musical maturity, maybe it's just less accessible, but there's something which slightly hinders my enjoyment. Again, I want to emphasise that this is not a bad record. After all, tracks like 'The 18th Emergency' and 'Super Pursuit' are really fun, hook-filled slabs of melodic goodness. The early Saves The Day comparisons are still evident, which is a very good thing, but I just feel there's something lacking. Re-recording the classy 'Intangible' was a minor mistake though, as I feel the older version is slightly better.
'Evacuate / Disintegrate' really looks the part and certainly production-wise sounds the part. But the development I hoped the band would make isn't here. Maybe my expectations were just too high, but this could, and probably should, be a bit better. So much talent is on offer and Shuriken could easily move to the next level, but they may have to wait a bit longer yet.
www.shuriken.co.uk
YAWA Records
Paul
