Production – 5/5 * Engineering – 5/5 * Overall – 5/5
Upon listening to this record, I first notice that it is a drastic step up from Shiragirl’s previous release, “Not Sold In Stores”; which was an electro-dance/pop influenced compilation of songs. Shiragirl brings a whole new genre of music (they call “punk hop”) and mixes up my brain like Sublime once did in the early ’90s. Each track is different from the last – bringing an entire new mix of guitar instrumentation, double bass drum-driven, white girl flow – and keeping me entertained for hours! This record is easily climbing it’s way to my “top ten records of all time” and for good reason!
KEY:
(2 tapes = Meh)
(3 tapes = Good)
(4 tapes = Really Good)
(5 tapes = Awesome)
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TRACK LIST
1. “Anthem”
My first thought when I heard this song was, “I need coffee”. This is super-filled with poppy, insane drumming, chunky guitars, and a bass line mimicking that of Flea, from the start, and then Shira comes in with her fast flow and hyper energy. The drumming truly is worth noting; double bass, heavy and fast snare rolls – the type of playing that makes Travis Barker look amateur. The breakdown really makes this song great. Cymbal accents are my favorite thing to use when recording, and it is well done here. I also love the backing vocals, gang shouts, and how there’s “too much” but “just enough” going on in the bridge. The song ends just as strong as it started, and makes a statement to how much Shiragirl has come from their first release more than 4 years ago.
2. “Lights Out”
Changing tone completely, this song starts out like a “System Of A Down” B-side, and then enters Shira – sounding like a female version of Andrew W.K. (in a good way!). She sings and screams well. I also love the lyrics about the end of the world. It’s very complimentary to the guitar driven melody and double bass, hip hop like beat. There’s so many different genres encompassed in this song as well – from heavy metal, to fast punk, to hip hop. The echo, reverb and distortion effects on her vocals throughout this song were very well placed and used, and add a dynamic to the song that really makes it unique. This is a very well produced, written, and played Shiragirl song.
3. “Roll With Tha Crew”
Going from fast punk to metal to hip hop, and I’m just on the third track! It starts out with the same “meaty”, layered rock guitars, and then comes a hip hop/pop infused punk beat that makes Shiragirl so good. I loved the breakdown guitars before the pre-chorus, and the “swirling solos” in the bridge really make this song have a special presence. I also love the tom-filled breakdowns throughout the song that add the right kind of tension. The “live DJ” infusion is also very cool – and makes Shiragirl’s “punk hop” style special. Lots of jumping and headbanging could be done to this song.
4. “Tantrum”
Similar to the hype energy of “Anthem”, this song leans more towards the “pop” side, with a nice “in the pocket” punk drumming style. The random guitar solo is also very cool – and makes me anticipate the next verse. The lyrics describe something Shira knows well – throwing tantrums and never giving up – and pair nicely with the rest of the production in the song. The energy, lyrics, pop drive, and fun vibe this song brings really shows how “in your face” Shiragirl can be (and I love it)!
5. “Reklys”
Easily one of my favorite songs on the record, I can instantly picture teenage drivers just getting their license having this song as their “anthem”. The harmonies in the chorus force me to sing along, and have fun. Another song with the “stick-with-it” message, lyrically it’s the best so far. The reverb and echo effects for the vocals in the bridge stood out to me too, as well as the insanely good drumming done by Rainey P. Production wise, this song thrives and has “hit” written all over it. It may not be their “first” hit, but it’ll be a hit some day along the line. I also enjoyed Shira’s random “spitting” before the last verse. She’s grown with her flow as well as her singing ability. I truly enjoyed listening to this one.
6. “Drama Club”
I’m a fan of “fade in” intros, and this is done very simply with a strong entrance. The lyrics speak of are typical in a teenager’s day-to-day, and flash me back to high school. The great energy of the drums make this song “speak volumes”, and the “rap” breakdowns are genius! I love how Shira used several styles of hip hop, pop punk (and even a hint of metal towards the end) to capture the perfect emotion of the lyrics. This musical style is unlike any heard before (at least since Sublime), and will make people’s ears turn upside down with joy – like it did mine.
7. “Terrorist”
This song is dangerously close to “Lights Out” production wise, with more of an empty feeling. The deep, dark, reverb filled toms add the element of pain and match up very well with the lyrics. Shira had to really be going through some shit to write this one. Sliding guitars are one of my favorite sounds to use, and they are used perfectly in this one. The drums really carry this song; emphasizing the right dose of hopelessness and heavy guilt. The way Shira screams “Terrorist” is very cool as well and gives the song more of a metal edge. I really enjoyed the guitar breakdowns too, and the alternating vocal styles in the bridge. The very “riot grrl”, straight ahead lead with a pop vocal harmony underneath it made the song ten times more powerful emotionally and instrumentally.
8. “Never Not Ever”
Again with the energetic, hyper guitars and fast punk beat; a drastic change from the last track. This isn’t Shira’s strongest track vocally, but lyrically she is saying a lot. It’s a tasteful song about “never giving up”, and the instrumentation adds spontaneity and kept me entertained for the most part. I would consider this one the weakest track on the album, lyrically, and in the middle production wise. It didn’t grab me like the others, but that’s not to say it’s not a good song. I felt like listening to old-school New Found Glory afterward.
9. “Battles”
This is definitely the album’s “ballad” song; done with an up-beat feel to it. The lyrics are enough to hit home for some and leave others unimpressed. This is the weakest “flow” Shira has on the record (demonstrating that she hasn’t perfected it just yet), but isn’t the worst I’ve ever heard. The lyrics are personal, and the DJ scratches give it more of a hip hop feel. I would have done more with the guitars (maybe added a touch of acoustic rhythm), to make the other guitars stand out more. Overall, the song reminds me of a poppy version of Boxcar Racer’s, “Elevator” with sad (instead of suicidal) lyrics.
10. “Scars”
Competing with the “dark” feeling of “Terrorist”, this song tells a story of a self-mutilating “attention whore”. The double pedal, deep drums and depressing solos give this song more of a “depressing” edge than “sad”, and made me feel remorse for the song’s “subject”. There’s no “punk rock” guitars in this song – just doubled acoustic guitars and a few harmonics here and there. The screaming breakdown adds a unique touch to the song. Although it’s just a few words, it adds depth and the right type of “sad”. Shiragirl’s last record definitely did not have this “dark” element, and Shira has seemingly captured it in an effective, creative and emotional way.
11. “Days”
At first listen, I thought this song belongs perfectly on a “Punk-O-Rama” or “Warped Tour” compilation. It’s hyper, punk rock all too familiar for Good Charlotte and old Blink 182 fans, but at the same time it’s so “new age”. I love the blend of guitars throughout the song, and the crazy fast punk drumming done by Rainey P. The guitar solos come in at just the right time, and the breakdown is lite, but strong, and definitely felt. The female gang layered vocals make this an instant “scream along” song, and nothing beats the “flange” effected drum solo before the last chorus. The lyrics and instrumentation bring back the punk rock, heartfelt energy typically heard in bands like The Bouncing Souls and New Found Glory, and really tie this record together.
