Unsurprisingly, this entire LP plays at 45 rpm. Frankly, the only thing that would make more sense were it to be a 78. We loved that last release from The Shirks. Their “Cry Cry Cry” single was a monster, but this self-titled LP is pure pedal to the floor rock ‘n’ roll. The whole thing is fuzzed-out, blown-speaker fury, and it is an intense ride.
Thankfully, it’s also a short ride — the Shirks’ style of rock ‘n’ roll, played as it is at 500 miles an hour, can seem like you’re riding shotgun with a madman at the wheel. It’s exciting, it’s exhilarating, and it makes you feel more alive than you thought possible, but you’re ready for a cup of tea and a lie-down when it’s all over.
The Shirks have become the heirs apparent to the New Bomb Turks’ punk-flavored rock ‘n’ roll, and their boisterous swagger is a welcome respite from tough-guy hardcore, introspective indie rock, and the likes of which I’ve been listening to lately. The Shirks is simply blown-out garage, played fast, loud, and — well, loud and fast, really.
Personal favorite track? “Don’t Tell Me,” which sounds like nothing so much as AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock” played at triple time, and loaded with so much nervous energy, you need to take a shot or two in order to take the edge off how keyed-up you are after its minute and a half of awesome has runs its course.
It’s available now from Grave Mistake Records on either red vinyl (limited to 100) or black vinyl.