So there’s this formula, and for the most part, that formula goes a little like this; you have a group of like-minded friends, you pick up your instruments, you write, practice and play songs, you book a small gig at a local bar or club and IF successful, you grow from there. Bigger venues, maybe tours, you know, the traditional means of starting a band…sometimes people do it differently. I don’t mean the cheap-shot at fame on a talent show…I mean a really different way. Let me introduce you to SHOSHIN…formed in Manchester in 2009, the trio (consisting of guitarist/vocalist Pete Haley, bassist Joe Stuart and drummer Sophie Labrey) decided the best way to a garner a large audience, would be street shows. Literally hijacking crowds everywhere they went (and they've been everywhere) they've managed to sell thousands of bootleg CD’s in which they themselves have made on the road all around Europe…and now that they have a labels backing, the world is their oyster. They've just dropped “Epiphanies And Wastelands” via 7HZ records…let’s get stuck in…
The album starts off with “Same To Me” and it’s an unexpected combination of political, rap-inspired lyrics and alt. rock, which when coupled with “All For U.S.” with its light touch of reggae entwined through the songs structure too, musically finds the band somewhere between the likes of P.O.D and THE POLICE to certain extent, and it makes for a pleasant listen. The theme, or style, is a strong focus point for Shoshin who utilize it to great effect over tracks such as “Glass, Brick & Stone” and “Mud In Your Eye”, perfectly mixing solid groove with loose, free-flowing rhythm, it’s a very laid back sound and works for them very well.
Edgier tracks such as album highlight “Janine”, with its classic punk feel and “Linoleum” give the album a dose of energy, maintaining the listeners level of interest before we then eventually finish up on “Face It”, which returns to that Police inspired sound with the inclusion of some deeper, indie tones, ending the album on a real strong note. It’s easy to see why Shoshin have been successful in their own right, mainstream backing makes not a good band, a good band does and after all they've worked for (they've endured a lot) it’s good to see their efforts rewarded. The music industry might be a bit of a wasteland itself, but it’s artists such as this Shoshin that inspire hope for any struggling acts around the UK…let’s cherish them. [7]
The album starts off with “Same To Me” and it’s an unexpected combination of political, rap-inspired lyrics and alt. rock, which when coupled with “All For U.S.” with its light touch of reggae entwined through the songs structure too, musically finds the band somewhere between the likes of P.O.D and THE POLICE to certain extent, and it makes for a pleasant listen. The theme, or style, is a strong focus point for Shoshin who utilize it to great effect over tracks such as “Glass, Brick & Stone” and “Mud In Your Eye”, perfectly mixing solid groove with loose, free-flowing rhythm, it’s a very laid back sound and works for them very well.
Edgier tracks such as album highlight “Janine”, with its classic punk feel and “Linoleum” give the album a dose of energy, maintaining the listeners level of interest before we then eventually finish up on “Face It”, which returns to that Police inspired sound with the inclusion of some deeper, indie tones, ending the album on a real strong note. It’s easy to see why Shoshin have been successful in their own right, mainstream backing makes not a good band, a good band does and after all they've worked for (they've endured a lot) it’s good to see their efforts rewarded. The music industry might be a bit of a wasteland itself, but it’s artists such as this Shoshin that inspire hope for any struggling acts around the UK…let’s cherish them. [7]
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