I like a good old grower. The Darkness liked that feeling of attachment and warmth so much that they decided to write a song about genital warts. Whilst not so extreme in its tilt, this debut release from Shots Fired, also known as the backing band for James Dewees in Reggie and The Full Effect, can certainly be considered a release which you grow rather accustomed to. I appreciate the Reggie stuff as much as the next man (despite it varying wildly in quality) so I was fairly optimistic about hearing this. Upon an initial play, you’re greeted with an introduction which basically does not typify the album at all; you’re expecting almost bouncing pop and soaring backing vocals. You’re disappointed, but in a good way. I like records that surprise me, and opening track ‘Cocaine’ quickly takes you on across a range of highs and lows much associated with the drug itself.
Upon first listen, I have to say the opener disappointed me as it’s a quirky choice for an opening track, but I can’t help but like it more each time I listen to the album. It certainly doesn’t outstay its welcome at 2:45 and that’s really a key factor here – the fairly quick tempo and plucked melodies are definitely throwbacks to bands 10 and 15 years hence. It’s certainly refreshing to hear a band not interested in fitting into the mould they’re created for themselves with previous projects or even poppier, synth-laden tunes which seem to be dominating the playlists of bands on the up at the moment.
Track 3 ‘Squires at Bristol’ has to go down as the stand-out hit here, and will win the band much acclaim amongst fans of grainy, yet largely unstrained vocals. The thing is, though, this release is a little inconsistent. Track 4 ‘Ragdoll’ is pretty poor and offers nothing that the previous three tracks haven’t already delivered in sterling fashion. It soon picks up again though, and we’re treated to a continual wall of contemporary alternative rock which is definitely a full and rounded sound for a 3-piece. The occasional folk-like picking is a nice touch, and the quick chords which frequently follow have more than a hint of some Biffy Clyro tracks about them. If you’re a fan of Biffy and their ilk, don’t mind influences from true indie bands of years gone by and stuff like the slower Hot Water Music tracks, then I heartily recommend this. Everyone else, I’d take the plunge and have a go anyway. It’s different, it’s not perfect, it’s unashamed; it’s not bad.
Spud