This is eleven songs and 23 minutes of pedal to the metal punk rock. While the poppiest of pop-punk is known to be my reviewing forte, the likes of Lifetime and Shook Ones are the type of bands I grew up – my musical education as it were. This fast, machine-grun drumming style of punk rock is what I listen to whenever I need to be perked up, and Shook Ones new record on Revelation is the perfect way to lift any mood. It’s fast, furious and ultra catchy to boot.
There’s very little respite from the Seattle crew on ‘Facetious Folly Feat’. Once ‘Carms Race’ eminates from the speakers with aplomb, the band rip through sub three minute tracks with force. ‘The Drop’ is an absolute beaut, while the Lifetime-esque, guitar driven ‘Pheasant’ drops like a bomb. Scott Freeman’s distinctive vocals work a treat throughout this record, sounding not too dissimilar from Kid Dynamite on ‘First Lunch, Then War’. Speed is of the essence throughout this record, making the 20-odd minutes sound even shorter than they actually are.
Shook Ones manage to merge speed, melody and intelligent lyrics to come up with a cracker of an album. If you’re ready waiting for the new Lifetime record to drop, then Shook Ones will literally shake you while you wait…