There are times when kicking back and putting on some fast, melodic punk rock is the only way to make the day better. And what better way to relax than with Christian punks Slick Shoes?
Actually, there aren’t that many bands that do it better than Slick Shoes. OK, they may be a poor man’s MxPx, but thanks to a coast-to-coast criss-cross of the USA supporting their former label mates, Slick Shoes have garnered quite a reputation. And after listening to this CD, it isn’t that hard to see why.
Opening with ‘Another Day,’ the band launch into soaring vocal melodies and crashing drums. It may not be new or innovative, but it is still pretty darn good. ‘Constancy’ has a certain raw appeal, and is unbelievably honest, a trait that comes up time and time again on this CD. For sure, Slick Shoes always seems to wear their heart upon their sleeve.
‘Angel’ is a corker, equalling both MxPx and New Found Glory at their best, and ‘Peace Of Mind’ is catchy punk rock at its most lovable. I guess people could be put off by Ryan Kepke’s vocals, but if you can handle Mike Herrera or Jordan Pudnik, then you’ll love this.
‘Hide and Seek,’ like the rest of this CD, is short and sweet, and certainly does not out-stay its welcome. And boy, do those drums kick. But things go a bit Pete Tong from here on in. Its not the songs, just their structures. Once you have heard one Slick Shoes song, you’ve pretty much heard them all. And this is the reason why they aren’t as successful as some of their peers. Were MxPx have learned to add a little variety into their tunes, ‘Wake Up Screaming’ just lacks that originality and spark that would turn it into a great record. Each song is great on its own merits, ‘Have I Said Too Much’ and ‘Elisa’ are great songs, but as an album there is just no cohesion.
‘Wake Up Screaming’ has a great set of songs. But you just sense that Slick Shoes are a little bit away from hitting the big leagues. A great up and coming new band, there are plenty of top quality tunes here to wet your appetite before the boys return without an absolute stonker that it is clear they are capable of making.
Paul Savage