aaamusic | On 24, Oct 2010

After the self-release of their highly acclaimed debut EP ‘The Shallow Waters’, Sharks are back with their first official EP ‘Show of Hands’.  The fast rising four-piece from the small town of Leamington Spa show big promise with this impressive and unassuming release which is reminiscent of classic British punk. The band project a real honesty in their music and have established an individuality distancing them from any suggestion of being another cheap imitation group. The skill exhibited by all four members of the group throughout this EP establishes them as an impressive collective talent and makes the prospect of future releases an exciting one.

The EP contains a diverse range of the bands music including their first ever song ‘Trains’ along with some of their more recent offerings. In Trains, the a cappella opening grabs your attention immediately as lead singer/ guitarist James Matock angrily proclaims:  ‘How pathetic this may sound to a hope of finally getting out’. Written when they were just 16 years old, one can assume that these lyrics relate to the mundane drudgery of their small town beginnings. The passionate sense of urgency within this song is characteristic of the rest of the EP.

Show of Hands is an impressive release that harks back to decades past whilst simultaneously creating a sound that is current. The musical skill and maturity exhibited in this EP produce a timeless sound showing the promise of success and longevity.

Author: Alice Cuddy