Review Summary: A promising first release.
Listen to and download here: http://theshifts2.bandcamp.com/
What is the goal of a band’s first release? Is it to create a masterpiece? Is it to blow up the billboard charts? The smart answer would probably be to catch people’s interest. And that’s exactly what The Shifts’ first demo does well.
Voices is certainly an enjoyable, and easy listen. It’s catchy and has an excellent balance of energetic bursts and calm, pretty interludes. The Shifts likely won’t blow you away with this release, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have its moments.
There are absolutely some beautiful moments that strike the bullseye of what they’re going for. The fourth track, “Pixie Dust” hits on all of the good parts of the demo as a whole. Guitarist and vocalist Macks Johanesen opens up the song with a glistening guitar lead and soft vocals as the song builds up steadily. The chorus is catchy and smothered in a warm guitar tone. This is one of the tracks that the production sounds surprisingly good.
In the same vein, “Ivory Box” has another catchy chorus. It sounds like it could have come straight out of a late 80’s-early 90’s alt rock album, but without sounding too much like it’s ripping off those classic bands. If this song were re-recorded with some better production it could easily be a radio hit. Many of the songs on Voices have some great bursts of energy such as “Funeral”, and one of my personal favorites “Grasshooks”. The closer “Theatre” features a very J. Mascis-esque guitar solo and vocals, and ends the demo on a great note.
For a less energetic, but equally enjoyable listen, look no further than “Antisocial Bell Song”. More focused on vocals, this track features probably the best song-writing, and some of the prettiest guitar work on the album, which is where the album truly shines. The catchiness is great, but the guitar tones and riffs are what will stick with you as you listen to these tracks more. “Erase Me” and the ambient-like track “Clouds/Purple/Stumblin’” also have a clean tone-heavy structure.
The demo is not without it’s faults, of course. The production isn’t particularly masterful, but this is only the band’s first demo, and it isn’t unbearable. Some of the tracks are forgettable, such as “PH-OT” and others you really need to be in the mood for in order to enjoy them. Many of these tracks would greatly benefit from extra instrumentation and background noises, but again that’s a result of this just being a simple demo.
If you like some straight rock music, especially if you’re into that Pixies/Sonic Youth-era alternative rock, then The Shifts’ Voices is just for you. It’s a good (and I would even say excellent) start for an up-and-coming band. I would highly suggest keeping an eye on these guys because if this demo is any indication of what they’re capable of, then there are some high hopes for the future.
