TigersharkThis trio comes out of the eclectic Richmond, VA scene which is home to a myriad of diverse bands and zines. These guys have had a relatively short existence as a band, only being together since Feb 06', however, each of the members have gotten their hands dirty in previous efforts such as The Assistant and The Setup which I'm sure has helped them along the way.
You just simply cannot lump these guys into any one genre. They aren't metal, certainly not any sub-genre of metal. If anything, the spirit of the band implies a punk rock attitude with plenty of rocking to be had. It's a great culmination of dirty southern rock, punk rock, and experimental aspects. The strained, distant vocals of Jay (guitar and vocalist) sound fucking awesome against the throbbing distortion that the band utilizes.
The lyrics typically tend to deal with close mindedness and personal thoughts . Take the song UspRidgE, which seems to be about bands that keep rehashing what has been done to death. "How can I measure my disdain for what we have become. We're puppets in a basement nothing that hasn't been done before." The following track, "One On The Zero" also shares similar sentiments. Twelve Sided Lie seems to be a track calling out Bush. I especially liked the line "I think they're finally on to you. L-I-A-R!" It's awesome to see a band that can write about serious topics yet still don't take themselves too seriously.
There are 6 songs spread out across 5 tracks. The songs for the most part stick to the 3 minute mark with a 6 minute jammer and the 4 minute rocked out fortress totaling 28 minutes of side winding punk rock mayhem. Twelve Sided Lie seemingly blends into the final song of the demo, "Fortress". If you didn't know any better it could've easily been the same song. I can't forget to mention the phone audition of a southern MC laying down some lines to close of the demo, shit was too funny haha.
Rating: 4/5
Sections Worthy of Replay: Twelve Sided Lie and UspRidgE
Thesis: Unlike so many other bands, these guys successfully avoid being attached to any genre classification without sounding like an undecipherable wall of noise. These guys won't appeal to the vast majority but I'm sure they're perfectly content with that. With that being said, these guys have certainly carved out their own little niche in the dirty world of punk rock and are just looking to have a good time. Check them out at their myspace and pick up one of this puppies for $6 from the band. http://www.myspace.com/tigersharkrva