Shook Ones - The Unquotable A.M.H.
Shook Ones are a pop punk / melodic hardcore band from Seattle, Washington. The band, named after Mobb Deeps 1994 single - Shook Ones, are probably best described as Kid Dynamite for the 21st Century. The Unquotable A.M.H. is their third full album, but they are one of the prolific bands of the genre with at least one release every year since 2004.
I think the the most significant element of The Unquotable A.M.H. is that Shook Ones truly step out from behind Kid Dynamites shadow. Sure, the comparisons will always be there, but in many ways what Shook Ones are doing is both sounding and working better than what Kid Dynamite did last century. The band, whose approach to recording and songwriting is always refreshing, continue this run into The Unquotable A.M.H. Their music is characteristically fun, with frequent skits and clips between songs and with the tongue in cheek attitude that works best in self-conscious pop punk.
I guess the main change for The Unquotable A.M.H. is that the band have played varied their pace and perhaps more "mature" approach to songwriting. Instead of their usual high energy, frantic riffs, they have let the songs breathe, not only including rocky / groovy breaks, they have stripped it right back and thus liberated themselves from their melodic hardcore boundaries. The criticisms of Shook Ones becoming pop I don't think are fair, in fact, I think the band sounds more like themselves in this release than in 2006s Facetious Folly Feat and 2005s Sixteen.
The vocals are brilliant, rasping melodies which carry the album through anthems and tantrums - sitting quite prominent in the mix, but by no means overpowering the rest of the band. Harmonies pop out and like all of their previous releases, it's unusual for a song to finish without a few "woahs". The guitars meanwhile are full of melody, octaves, pop punk licks and speedy palm muting.
Lyrically I'm into it as well, a balance of teenage reminiscing, coming of age awareness and just general tom foolery.
I'm growing up, I'm growing up in front of you.
Holding you knowing that there's nothing more that I can do.
My favorite song would have to be Birds on Ices, a slower and at times almost The Draft styled rocky, Sunday drive tune. For Flannel continues with their slower and catchy approach, with a clever chorus holding the song together, it's sure to get your head head bobbing. Double-Knot That is more familiar Shook Ones, fast, fill of bass runs and perfect drumming. My only criticism is that T Monk is too slow, and will probably be skipped more than it will be listened to.
Anyway if your a fan of fast, quirky and fresh pop punk / melodic hardcore, Shook Ones The Unquotable A.M.H. is definitely for you.
Again, this record will most likely be in my top ten this year.
4 / 5
mean!
check them out here
Shook Ones are a pop punk / melodic hardcore band from Seattle, Washington. The band, named after Mobb Deeps 1994 single - Shook Ones, are probably best described as Kid Dynamite for the 21st Century. The Unquotable A.M.H. is their third full album, but they are one of the prolific bands of the genre with at least one release every year since 2004.
I think the the most significant element of The Unquotable A.M.H. is that Shook Ones truly step out from behind Kid Dynamites shadow. Sure, the comparisons will always be there, but in many ways what Shook Ones are doing is both sounding and working better than what Kid Dynamite did last century. The band, whose approach to recording and songwriting is always refreshing, continue this run into The Unquotable A.M.H. Their music is characteristically fun, with frequent skits and clips between songs and with the tongue in cheek attitude that works best in self-conscious pop punk.
I guess the main change for The Unquotable A.M.H. is that the band have played varied their pace and perhaps more "mature" approach to songwriting. Instead of their usual high energy, frantic riffs, they have let the songs breathe, not only including rocky / groovy breaks, they have stripped it right back and thus liberated themselves from their melodic hardcore boundaries. The criticisms of Shook Ones becoming pop I don't think are fair, in fact, I think the band sounds more like themselves in this release than in 2006s Facetious Folly Feat and 2005s Sixteen.
The vocals are brilliant, rasping melodies which carry the album through anthems and tantrums - sitting quite prominent in the mix, but by no means overpowering the rest of the band. Harmonies pop out and like all of their previous releases, it's unusual for a song to finish without a few "woahs". The guitars meanwhile are full of melody, octaves, pop punk licks and speedy palm muting.
Lyrically I'm into it as well, a balance of teenage reminiscing, coming of age awareness and just general tom foolery.
I'm growing up, I'm growing up in front of you.
Holding you knowing that there's nothing more that I can do.
My favorite song would have to be Birds on Ices, a slower and at times almost The Draft styled rocky, Sunday drive tune. For Flannel continues with their slower and catchy approach, with a clever chorus holding the song together, it's sure to get your head head bobbing. Double-Knot That is more familiar Shook Ones, fast, fill of bass runs and perfect drumming. My only criticism is that T Monk is too slow, and will probably be skipped more than it will be listened to.
Anyway if your a fan of fast, quirky and fresh pop punk / melodic hardcore, Shook Ones The Unquotable A.M.H. is definitely for you.
Again, this record will most likely be in my top ten this year.
4 / 5
mean!
check them out here