Shallow Side Record Review of Origins Out Now!
Record Review by Vince Andreasen
Shallow Side was named Loudwire’s best new artist of 2016 following a trio of successful EPs and captivating live performances. The band continues to gain in popularity and 2018 may be a mainstream breakout year for Shallow Side as they provide two full-length releases. Origins is the first release and it is a fittingly titled collection of select tracks from the 3 prior EPs along with 3 unreleased songs. It serves as a greatest hits package for current fans, and an awesome introduction for those previously unaware of these boys for Cullman, Alabama.
First things first, these guys really understand rock-and-roll and how to craft great songs. Their music is a perfect blend of styles from the most successful rock bands from the 70’s to present day. They are solid musicians and their songs are well written and recorded. This band easily fits amongst today’s rock radio giants. Moments throughout Origins reminded me of Shinedown, Sevendust, 10 Years, or Breaking Benjamin with driving rhythms and solid hooks.
Next up is Rebel, from 2017’s One EP. A mid tempo rocker with a southern fried feel that even includes a banjo and fiddle interlude that leads into the solo. My Addiction follows Rebel with another banjo intro before transitioning into a delayed guitar lead and stellar vocals with a feel very similar to Breaking Benjamin.
Crazy is a quintessential ‘get-your-lighters-in-the-air’ ballad with solid rock elements sitting atop a piano lead. Try to Fight It is another excellent slower tune with a more rocking chorus that should have fists in the air, so lighter fluid and phone flashlights not required.
Throughout the first half of Origins you quickly learn Shallow Side is an incredibility talented band. Guitar, drums, and bass are as solid as it gets. The second half of Origins really showcases Eric Boatright’s vocal ability. His versatility and range stand out on tracks Can You Hear Me, Stand Up, and We Won’t Die. No auto-tune or studio-trickery, this guy just sings. These three songs are perhaps my favorites on the release, but every song on Origins deserves rotation on rock radio.
Origins closes with acoustic versions of Try to Fight It and Out of Reach.I was not familiar with Shallow Side prior to this review and I feel shamefully out-of-touch. If you haven’t heard their music before, do yourself a favor and check them out. I can’t wait to hear what’s next from this band and luckily I won’t have to wait long. The band will release another full-length album of new material before the end of the year. I can only assume and hope this new material will be equally as strong of the outstanding collection of songs on Origins.
Origins is now available on CD, Vinyl, and digital download and I highly recommend it.
Shallow Side are:
Eric Boatright (Vocals)
Seth Trimble (Guitar/Keyboard)
Heath Fields (Drums)
Matt Daniels (Bass)
Support this and other fine local & touring artists, dig their music, and buy some merch!
Follow The Pit on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
