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"Some days up here I felt like was going through shock therapy." -- City Administrator Fred Russell, after spilling his Coke on the lectern while addressing to the Augusta Commission
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| | | | ARCHIVES 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | CD Reviews Issue #19.51 :: 07/16/2008 - 07/22/2008 The Shaky Hands "Lunglight" |
The Shaky Hands
"Lunglight"
Kill Rock Stars / Holocene Music
AUGUSTA, GA - If there is a quagmire that surrounds a band’s sophomore album, the Shaky Hands have cast off that cliché and released a superb emotional collection with their newest album, "Lunglight." Thirteen songs of intense vocals mixed with simple yet catchy rock ‘n’ roll, Lunglight shines for the Portland, Ore., quintet. Released on famous independent label Kill Rock Stars in conjunction with Holocene Music, the album retains indie roots but glows bright enough for larger success too.
The most intriguing and outstanding aspect of the Shaky Hands to hit the listener like a ton of bricks is the original singing style of Nicholas Delffs. His style could easily be the lovechild of The Frogs, Bright Eyes, and Bob Dylan. Shaky, like the band’s name, yet powerfully emotional, Delffs brings chills to the skin with every word. Often slow and precise, each lyric is carefully crafted to fit well with the equally intense sound of the Shaky Hands.
Combining acoustic elements with a retro '60s rock sound, the Shaky Hands are difficult to label. The music drives forward fast and loud, sometimes similar to the Pixies while at other times with a deeper melancholia like many of the early emo bands.
The opening track, “A New Parade” has a little of the early Beatles' sound, jangly, quick and fun while the next one, “Loosen Up” might bring up memories of R.E.M. But, to classify the Shaky Hands by merely comparing them to other already existing bands takes away from their sheer originality.
Layered with multiple sounds and well built, each song on "Lunglight" is a masterpiece of thought out musicianship. Each song continues to build from the previous one, rising to a crescendo before diving back down into slower rhythmic pulsating beats.
Containing nothing but interesting and energetic songs full of an intense, pounding sound, "Lunglight" is a superb album by the Shaky Hands, not easily matched by other bands of the day. The sign of a truly remarkable musician is to mix a mishmash of musical styles together and produce something unique and full of a quality nearly unheard of. The Shaky Hands do just this with their second full-length album.
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