If 2023 new music can be remembered for one thing I hope it’s because some bands decided it was time to make a stand and release songs about the current climate we are living in, social & racial issues as well as continued Government lies and rule breaking have been themes that Kill, The Icon, The Great Leslie to name just 2 have explored and alongside them all the way, showing that an awareness of such subjects can be incorporated into kick arse music it’s Bolton’s The Shed Project.
Like The Specials and The Clash before them, they have been able to spread their message whilst writing the kind of music that makes you want to dance and sing to.
Integrity is key to The Shed’s, they are as real and true to themselves as any bands that have come before, doing it the hard way, taking the knocks but coming back stronger every time until eventually they will not be denied.
Thus they are about to release their second album and here are my thoughts on it.
Firstly what strikes me about this album is how far the band have come in such a short time, the confidence is never lacking of course but the quality of the songs, the performance of the band, the lyrics and the overall production is a massive step up from the debut album (not that that wasn’t a class debut btw).
They’ve taken their time to get it right, and have put together 10 songs that can quite rightly stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of the year or any year for that matter.
The album itself is almost two different aspects of The Sheds. Side 1 is like an unintentional Rock Opera akin to what Townsend does with The Who. Kicking off with the face melting pound of If you know you know, a track that’s grown to be a real force of nature, it kicks hard. Then you’re into almost a modern day Quadrophenia where songs like Weekend Millionaire, The Crowd Pleaser, tell the tale of a young bloke finding his place in the world, going out having fun, being the life and soul but maybe just maybe struggling with the demands of life in general. I like to think it’s part autobiographical on Roy’s part as the integrity rings through with the lyrics he has written. In fact comparisons with The Who are fair, especially with the track Weekend Millionaire, with its retro guitar riff it’s fit for many a Wigan Casino night out.
Within these songs there is Excuses, a strong and poignant track detailing the pitfalls of going at it too hard and falling into the dark world of Heroin abuse. Musically and lyrically this hits the hardest and is one of the best songs on the album because of it. The chorus of digging the vein is as unlikely as you’ve heard since Nirvana wrote about similar topics during In Utero.
Then your into side B which is where The Sheds come out fighting and talking about social inadequacy and how the government is not your friend. Talking from the heart of the working class. Mick Lynch would love this album.
The title track Our fear was influenced by motorway bridge graffiti with those words daubed for all to see. The song is what The Clash would sound like if they covered Public Enemy via Madchester. It’s my track of the year no danger. Powerful and direct never sounded so good.
Then your into Ghost Town, now not to be confused with The Specials classic, it shares many a theme in its lyrics and tone, forgotten towns with little going on or semblance of former glories. It also features some of the best jangle guitar since Johnny Marr in his Smith’s pomp. It’s awesome.
Lower than a snake takes its influences from Ian Brown’s early solo output and deals with the perils of dealing with people within the music industry and life in general, a slight reggae feel to it drives the track along. The message is don’t mess with the Sheds or they’ll write a song about you.
The Sheds then arguably save the best tracks to last and show where their music is headed I hope in the future.
My good friend Danny has already written great words on Naughty, and we have discussed together how awesome this track is. Prime Hallelujah era Mondays with it’s pounding acid tinged beat it’s a marvel and deserves a fantastic remix to boot.
The final track is an anthemic tear jerker. Written by Roy about losing friends and family at young ages, it’s Bolton’s answer to the Gallagher’s and leaves you wet around the eyes but also euphoric at the same time. As tributes go this is special, very special. The strings alone are worth your purchase of the album.
And that’s it. Album 2 in the bag and the lads are already onto album 3. They are not stopping soon and their work ethic is much to be admired.
They may not be the gatekeepers and big boys cup of tea but they’ve got the people’s vote and that is all what matters.
Buy it here..
Please let me know what you think and remember – Listen, Share, Buy, Repeat.
One Love, One Goal, One Shot
Michael
The Rebirth Of Cool 